Accused in Salman Khan House Firing Case Commits Suicide in Jail

An individual linked to the firing incident outside actor Salman Khan’s house died by suicide while in police custody today, according to sources. Anuj Thapan, aged 32 and one of the two arms suppliers arrested from Punjab on April 26, reportedly took his own life in a restroom connected to the police lock-up around 11 am. Thapan was among ten other inmates in the lock-up, which was being monitored by a team of four to five policemen.

Anuj Thapan and another accused, Sonu Subhash Chander, allegedly supplied the weapons used in the firing incident outside actor Salman Khan’s Mumbai residence on April 14.

The motive behind Anuj Thapan’s suicide is currently under investigation, according to sources.

Former senior police officer PK Jain told NDTV that any death occurring in police custody is treated as a potential murder case. He mentioned that the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) will question all the policemen stationed at the police station.

Jain further explained that it’s standard procedure for police to ensure that lock-up areas are thoroughly checked to prevent individuals from accessing objects that could be used for self-harm.

According to Mr. Jain, there have been instances where individuals have died by suicide using makeshift nooses made from items like pajamas while in police lock-ups. He emphasized that policemen are typically stationed to both prevent escape attempts and monitor for any signs of self-harm by inmates.

Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, suspected of firing the shots, are currently in police custody. CCTV footage captured both individuals leaving the vicinity on a motorcycle on the night of the incident.

Accused tied to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

The four accused are believed to have direct or indirect links to incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Bishnoi is involved in various criminal activities including kidnapping, murder, extortion for ransom, smuggling of weapons and narcotics across borders, inland contraband trafficking, and illegal liquor smuggling.

In the last month, the Mumbai Crime Branch stated that they had uncovered compelling evidence against Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi. Subsequently, both were declared as the prime suspects in the case.

Since November 2022, Salman Khan’s security has been heightened to Y-Plus due to threats from Lawrence Bishnoi and another gangster named Goldy Brar. Under this security protocol, the actor is permitted to carry a personal firearm and travels in an armored vehicle.

Also read: Mumbai Police Investigates Gunfire Incident at Salman Khan’s Residence