On Sunday, January 31, multiple gunshots were fired outside Bollywood director Rohit Shetty’s residence, Shetty Tower in Juhu, Mumbai. The shocking incident triggered an immediate police response, sparked a broader investigation, and brought renewed focus on Shubham Lonkar, a Pune-based gangster with alleged ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi criminal network.
While no one was injured in the attack, a chilling claim of responsibility on social media transformed the incident from a security scare into a serious organised crime investigation, reviving concerns over the growing reach of gang networks into Bollywood and high-profile public life.
Who is Shubham Lonkar?
Shubham Lonkar is a resident of Pune and a known associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. He has been named in several high-profile criminal cases, making him a person of interest long before this latest shooting. Shubham Lonkar was previously accused in the October 2024 murder of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique.
In that case, police found that another shooter had claimed Lonkar was “influenced by religion and nationalism,” suggesting he was manipulated into targeting Siddique under the belief it was a “patriotic act.” He was also interrogated in connection with a firing outside Bollywood star Salman Khan’s residence in April 2024, though he was released due to a lack of evidence at that time.
In early 2024, Shubham Lonkar was arrested by Akola police in a firearms supply case, with investigators uncovering messages linking him to the Bishnoi gang. After being granted bail, he reportedly returned to Pune and engaged in running a dairy business, while allegedly recruiting and radicalizing young men to carry out violent acts on behalf of the gang.
What Happened at Rohit Shetty’s House in Mumbai?
Police confirmed that four to five rounds were discharged at the first floor of Shetty’s residence around 12:45 am, striking walls and even the glass facade of an internal gym. Fortunately, no injuries were reported at the scene, and Shetty himself was believed to be at home at the time.
Within hours, investigators traced the attackers to Pune, where authorities detained five suspects believed to be involved in or linked to the shooting. CCTV footage and the motorcycle used in the incident helped identify the assailants, who were later handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch.
How is Shubham Lonkar Connected to the Case?
Shortly after the firing, a social media post surfaced under the name “Shubham Lonkar Arzoo Bishnoi”, widely believed to be associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The message claimed responsibility for the attack, naming Shubham Lonkar, Aarzoo Bishnoi, Hari Boxer, and Harman Shandu as those behind the firing.
The post stated, “We messaged him many times not to interfere in our work, but he did not understand.” “This is just a small trailer. If he doesn’t listen, the next bullets won’t be outside the house; they will be inside his bedroom, in his chest.” “To those we have called—fall in line, or you will run out of places to hide. And to our enemies, be ready; wait and watch.”
This chilling message not only claimed responsibility for the firing but also issued a broader warning to the Hindi film industry, using language that evoked past violent incidents involving the Bishnoi network.
Police Response & Investigation Underway
Police quickly cordoned off Shetty’s residence and launched a multi-agency probe involving the Mumbai Police Crime Branch and forensic teams. Officers are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area, reviewing the suspects’ movements, and interrogating those detained in Pune.
Security around Shetty’s home and other industry personalities has been increased as a precaution, though authorities stress that the exact motive behind the firing remains under investigation.
What Does This Mean for Bollywood Security?
The incident has raised serious questions about the safety of high-profile personalities in the entertainment industry. Although there is no confirmed evidence that Shetty received individual threats before the firing, the language used in the social media post suggests an attempt to intimidate or coerce through violence.
Industry insiders and law enforcement alike have expressed concern that this episode may embolden other organized crime elements to target public figures unless swift action is taken.
