In a startling development, Crime Branch sources have disclosed that the recent shooting incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence in Bandra’s Galaxy Apartments on April 14 was carried out with the intention of garnering media coverage and publicity.

The accused individuals, identified as Vicky Gupta (24) and Sagar Pal (21), hailing from Champaran in Bihar, were apprehended from Bhuj, Gujarat, on April 16 and subsequently transported to Mumbai for further investigation.

Anmol Bishnoi, the younger sibling of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, publicly claimed responsibility for the attack through a Facebook post shortly after the incident occurred. Investigations have revealed that Anmol Bishnoi maintained communication with Sagar Pal and Vicky Gupta via internet calls. The assailants were allegedly promised a sum of Rs 1 lakh upfront, with an additional Rs 3 lakh pledged upon the completion of the shooting.

Sources within the crime branch disclosed that Sagar Pal had received firearm training in his native village in West Champaran. Furthermore, it was uncovered that the perpetrators had conducted reconnaissance of Salman Khan’s farmhouse in Panvel days prior to the shooting, indicating premeditated planning.

The primary objective of the assailants, as per the investigation, was to instill fear rather than inflict harm. Statements from both families have been recorded in Bihar, and authorities are currently interrogating individuals from various states, including Haryana.

Sonu Gupta, brother of Vicky Gupta, is also under scrutiny in connection with the incident. Call records suggest that the siblings were in communication until late on April 13, the day preceding the attack.