Salman Khan firing case: This is a big conspiracy, says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey over death of accused

Cops outside Salman Khan`s residence. Pic/PTI

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey has raised suspicions of a "big conspiracy" following the death of Anuj Thapan, one of the accused involved in the firing incident at actor Salman Khan's residence. Thapan was found dead in a Mumbai police lock-up, with preliminary reports suggesting suicide, reported news agency ANI.

Salman Khan firing case: Anand Dubey expresses skepticism

Anand Dubey expressed skepticism over the circumstances of Thapan's death, questioning how an accused involved in a high-profile case could end up dead in a secure lock-up.

"This is a big conspiracy. We appeal to Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to take this matter seriously, otherwise, no one will trust law and order anymore. If those threatening Salman Khan are roaming freely and dying without any investigation, what will you do with the common man? This needs to be investigated immediately," Dubey said on Wednesday, reported ANI.

Dubey suggested that powerful figures, possibly from criminal gangs or high-ranking police officials, could be involved in the incident.

"One (Anuj Thapan) of the two accused who fired a bullet at Salman Khan's house died in the Mumbai police and crime branch lock-up today. It's being said that he committed suicide. Now you tell me, how did a criminal involved in such a serious matter, who was caught with much effort, end up dead? No one is willing to answer. Could it be that a gang or group, trying to threaten and extort Salman Khan, was behind this? And when they learned that the accused had been caught and would reveal everything, they killed him?," Dubey said, reported ANI.

"Is it possible that a politician or a high-ranking police officer is involved? How could someone die in the secure lock-up of Mumbai police? If the accused had remained alive, much could have come to light. Many secrets could have been exposed. But everything ended with his death," he added, reported ANI.

Earlier on May 1, Mumbai Police informed that Anuj Thapan, allegedly attempted suicide and hung himself inside the lock-up. He was taken to the nearest hospital, where he was declared dead. He was allegedly one of the arms suppliers in the firing case outside actor Salman Khan's house.

The police stated that state CID is investigating the suicide case of Anuj Thapan.

Salman Khan firing case: Family of Anuj Thapan alleges that he was "killed"

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the family of Anuj Thapan, has alleged that he was "killed" by the police.

The family also demanded that his post-mortem should be conducted outside Mumbai.

Abhishek Thapan, the brother of the deceased accused, said that Anuj couldn't have committed suicide and demanded 'justice', reported ANI.

"Anuj was taken by Mumbai police from Sangrur 6-7 days ago. Today, we received a call that Anuj had committed suicide. He was not the kind who could have committed suicide. He was murdered by the police. We want justice. He worked as a truck helper," Abhishek Thapan told ANI.

Speaking to ANI, Sarpanch of the deceased's native village, Manoj Godara, said, "This case is suspicious from the beginning. They were two brothers, one sister and one mother. They don't have a father. Anuj used to work as a helper to a truck driver...he was taken by Mumbai Police without informing the Panchayat. The family was only informed 1-2 days later...we all know how much security is there in police custody."

"On one side is superstar Salman Khan and on the other side are the labourers. Under pressure, they have killed him and framed it as a suicide," he added.

The Sarpanch demanded that the post-mortem of Anuj Thapan's body should be done outside Mumbai.

"The family is demanding justice. His post-mortem should be done outside this state because Salman Khan has influence in Mumbai. Whenever he hears 'Bishnoi' name, he gets scared," Godara further said, reported ANI.

Salman Khan firing case: Firing outside Galaxy Apartments

The matter pertains to April 14 morning, when two men came on a motorbike, fired four rounds outside Salman Khan's Galaxy Apartments, and fled. CCTV footage showed that both accused sported caps and carried backpacks. The clip also showed them firing in the direction of the actor's home. After the arrest of the accused, Kutch DSP AR Zankant said preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were in contact with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Mumbai Crime Police arrested both the shooters -- Sagar Pal and Vicky Gupta, as well as the two arms suppliers -- Sonu Subhash Chander and Anuj Thapan, were also arrested.

Meanwhile, a lookout notice has been issued against Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, in connection with the case.

Salman Khan firing case: Mumbai Police invokes MCOCA against all accused

Earlier, the Mumbai Police invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all the accused arrested in connection with the firing incident.

Mumbai Crime Branch officials said that the police have identified gangster Lawrence Bishnoi as the leader of the gang and have added sections of MCOCA in the FIR.

Earlier, the Mumbai Police registered a case against four people in the firing case, naming the Bishnoi brothers as key accused. The sections under IPC 506(2) (threatening), 115 (abetment), and 201 (tampering with evidence) have been added to the case.

Mumbai Crime Branch officials said that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi have been declared wanted accused in connection with the case. Anmol Bishnoi claimed responsibility for the firing outside Salman's residence in a Facebook post following the attack.

(With inputs from ANI)