Salman Khan Firing Case Accused Dies By Suicide In Jail

Mumbai: One of the two arms suppliers in the firing case outside actor Salman Khan’s house died by suicide today while in police custody, as per reports.

Identified as Anuj Thapan, aged 32, he was arrested on April 26 in Punjab and found dead in a toilet attached to the police lock-up at 11 am, according to sources.

He was being held alongside 10 other inmates with a police guard of 4-5 officers.

Thapan, along with Sonu Subhash Chander, was suspected of providing the weapons used in the April 14th shooting. Authorities are investigating the reasons behind Thapan’s suicide.

The death has sparked questions about police protocol for detainee safety. Former Maharashtra senior police officer PK Jain emphasized that all in-custody deaths are treated as murder cases, with mandatory questioning of all officers present by the CID (Criminal Investigation Department). Jain further highlighted the importance of thorough lock-up inspections to remove potential suicide materials.

Both Thapan and Chander are believed to be associates of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The NIA (National Investigation Agency) has linked Bishnoi to a network involved in kidnapping, murder, extortion, and smuggling of weapons, drugs, and liquor.

The Mumbai Crime Branch identified Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi as prime suspects in the Khan case last month. Following threats from Bishnoi and another gangster, Goldy Brar, Salman Khan’s security was upgraded to Y-Plus in November 2022. This enhanced protection allows Khan to carry a firearm and use an armoured vehicle.