Salman Khan firing case: Accused's father refutes son's involvement
What's the story
Joginder Shah, the father of Sagar Pal, expressed his shock upon learning about his son's alleged involvement in the incident where shots were fired outside Salman Khan's residence early Sunday morning.
The police apprehended 21-year-old Pal and 24-year-old Vicky Gupta from Gujarat's Kutch the day after the incident occurred.
Both suspects—residents of Mahsi village in Bihar's West Champaran district—are now in police custody.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has reportedly secured their custody until April 25.
Father's statement
'I was really shocked to learn about his involvement'
The father of the accused conveyed his disbelief, stating, "I was really shocked to learn about his involvement through social media...We don't know how it happened. He was never involved in any crime earlier."
Describing his son as "a simple person," he added, "He was working in Jalandhar (Punjab), I don't know how he reached Mumbai."
As a daily wage laborer, the father expressed bewilderment over the situation.
Incident recap
Details of the incident that unfolded at Khan's residence
According to Mumbai Police, two individuals fired several gunshots into the air near Khan's home in Bandra early Sunday morning (around 5:00am) before swiftly fleeing the scene.
The assailants reportedly fired three shots outside Galaxy Apartments and three shots into the air.
In response, a substantial police presence was established outside the actor's residence.
Meanwhile, in a recent interview, Khan's father, Salim Khan, addressed threats made against his son and labeled the perpetrators as jaahil (illiterate).
Family reaction
'Bhai isn't bothered': Khan unperturbed post-incident, said friend
Zafar Sareshwala, a close friend of Khan and a businessman, revealed that the superstar and his family are coping well after the shooting incident.
During his post-incident visit, Sareshwala found Khan's father preparing for his usual morning walk.
Meanwhile, another unnamed friend previously shared with Times Now, "Bhai is not bothered about his own life. But he is very scared of harm coming to his family members."
Official visit
Maharashtra CM assured Khan and family increased safety provisions
Shortly after the shooting incident, Anmol Bishnoi—brother of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi—claimed responsibility for the act on Facebook.
The Bishnoi gang's motivation appears to be rooted in the notorious 1998 incident involving Khan's alleged hunting of a blackbuck, something which is viewed as disrespectful to their community.
Separately, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde paid a visit to Khan's residence on Tuesday, where he provided reassurance to Khan and his family regarding their safety and informed them of heightened security measures.