One of the two individuals implicated in the shooting incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence has tragically died by suicide while in police custody, according to sources.
Anuj Thapan, aged 32, who was apprehended from Punjab on April 26, was reported to have entered a restroom connected to the police lock-up at 11 am and took his own life, as per sources.
He was housed with 10 other detainees in the lock-up, under the supervision of four to five police officers. Thapan and another accused, Sonu Subhash Chander, allegedly supplied the weapons used in the shooting outside the Mumbai home of the 'Tiger Zinda Hai' actor on April 14.
The reasons behind Anuj Thapan's suicide are currently under investigation, sources added.
Former senior Maharashtra police officer PK Jain told that any death in police custody is treated as a homicide case. "All the police personnel at the police station will be interrogated by the CID (Criminal Investigation Division)," Mr. Jain said.
Jain further explained that police usually ensure lock-ups are inspected for any objects that could be used by individuals for self-harm. "There have been instances where people have died by suicide using a makeshift noose made from clothing inside lock-ups... A police officer typically monitors the lock-up to ensure detainees do not escape and to watch for suicide attempts," Mr. Jain said.
Two others, Vicky Gupta and Sagar Buddy, who allegedly fired the shots, are also in police custody. Both were captured on CCTV leaving the area on a motorcycle on the night of the incident.
All four accused are believed to be directly or indirectly associated with incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, known for various criminal activities including kidnapping, murder, extortion, and smuggling.
The Mumbai Crime Branch had previously announced that substantial evidence had been found against Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi, naming them as prime suspects in the case.
Since November 2022, Salman Khan's security level has been elevated to Y-Plus due to threats from Lawrence Bishnoi and another criminal, Goldy Brar. The actor is permitted to carry a personal firearm and travels in an armored vehicle.
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