Accused in the alleged conspiracy to kill Bollywood actor Salman Khan had planned to attack him during a movie shoot, a police official stated on Tuesday, citing a chargesheet filed in the case.
The investigation revealed that a Rs 25 lakh “supari” (contract) was given by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi to his gang members to attack the actor. The gang intended to use sophisticated weapons, including AK-47s from Pakistan, for the attack.
Chargesheet and Arrests
The Panvel Town police in Navi Mumbai submitted the 350-page chargesheet before a magistrate court on June 21 against five arrested accused: Dhananjay Tapsing alias Ajay Kashyap (28), Gautam Bhatia (29), Vaspi Mehmood Khan alias China (36), Rizwan Hussain alias Javed Khan (25), and Deepak Hawasing alias John (30). Jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, his brother Anmol Bishnoi, Sampat Nehra, and Goldy Brar have been shown as wanted accused in the case. The attack was allegedly planned to occur during a movie shoot or while the actor was leaving his Panvel farmhouse.
The chargesheet details the plot, attack, and escape route, including analysis of the intelligence gathered, mobile phone records of the accused, their WhatsApp chats, audio and video calls, and tower locations. In April, the Panvel Town police unearthed the alleged plot by Bishnoi gang members to kill the actor. The plot was uncovered during an investigation that disclosed a video call conversation between Lawrence Bishnoi gang member Ajay Kashyap and another accused. The conversation revealed that sharpshooters, trained in modern weapons, were stationed across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Raigad, and Gujarat under the orders of Goldy Brar.
Sharpshooters Anmol Bishnoi and Rohit Godara were allegedly instructed by Brar to carry out the attack, using minors under 18 years old. A man named John was allegedly tasked with providing the vehicle for the operation. After the attack, gang members were to regroup at Kanyakumari and then proceed to Sri Lanka via sea route. From there, arrangements were made to send them to other countries, with gangster Anmol Bishnoi, based in Canada, arranging their travel.
Monitoring Salman Khan
According to police, Lawrence Bishnoi and Sampat Nehra gangs had deployed 60 to 70 members to monitor Salman Khan’s movements as part of efforts to conduct recce at his Bandra residence, Panvel farmhouse, and film shooting locations. Following specific information about the plot to kill Khan, a case was registered against 17 identified accused and others at Panvel Town police station on April 24.
Police discovered a video call between accused Ajay Kashyap and a Pakistan-based individual named Dogar. The call was initiated by Kashyap in the presence of a member who later became an informer to police. Kashyap allegedly discussed procuring weapons, including AK-47s, from Pakistan after depositing a 50 percent amount in gangster Goldy Brar’s account. The remaining amount was to be paid after the weapons were delivered. During the video call, Dogar showed 4 to 5 weapons, including AK-47s, to Kashyap.
