21 March,2026 07:34 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya Iyer
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In a significant breakthrough, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), in coordination with the Mumbai Crime Branch on Saturday arrested a 23-year-old accused from Agra in connection with the firing outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence in Juhu. The accused, Pradeep Sharma alias Golu, had been absconding since the February 1 incident, allegedly carried out at the behest of the notorious Shubham Lonkar gang to create panic and assert dominance.
According to police, unidentified shooters opened fire outside Shetty Tower in Juhu on the night of February 1, targeting the filmmaker's residence. "The attack was meant to send a strong message to the film industry, businessmen, and the public," officials said.
Acting on technical inputs and surveillance, the Mumbai Police sought assistance from the UP STF. A joint team tracked Sharma to Mahavir Nagar in Agra, where he was arrested on Saturday after attempting to evade capture.
During interrogation, Sharma told police he was influenced by the gang's posts on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. He was allegedly encouraged by his associate Shivam Dubey to get involved. Investigations further revealed that co-accused, including Vishnu Kushwaha and Deepak, played key roles, with Deepak allegedly carrying out the firing after travelling to Mumbai.
Police said several accused were arrested earlier in February, while Sharma had been on the run. He has now been handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further legal action.
A case was registered by the Mumbai Crime Branch under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, and Maharashtra Police Act.