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Synopsis

The Bombay High Court on Monday ordered the deletion of Bollywood actor Salman Khan's name from a petition seeking a CBI probe into the custodial death of one of the accused in the firing incident outside Khan's house.

The division bench of the high court, comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Shyam Chandak, was hearing a petition filed by the mother of the deceased accused.

The petitioner's son was involved in the firing incident outside Salman Khan’s house and subsequently died in police custody.

The high court noted that there were no allegations or relief sought against Salman Khan, and therefore, his name should be deleted from the petition.

Anuj Thapan committed suicide by hanging himself with a sheet while under police surveillance. Despite efforts to revive him, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind many unresolved questions.

Thapan's alleged involvement in the case revolved around accusations of supplying firearms to the perpetrators involved in the shooting incident at Salman Khan's residence.

The shooters, identified as Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, were apprehended in Bhuj, Gujarat, following the shooting outside the actor's Mumbai residence in Bandra.

The high court advised the petitioner to focus on the main issue of the petition, stating that it was up to the CID to decide if Salman Khan should be part of the probe.

The Mumbai Police had invoked sections of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all arrested individuals, identifying gangster Lawrence Bishnoi as the mastermind behind the operation.

In response to threats from Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, Salman Khan's security status was elevated to Y-Plus in 2022. Additionally, authorization was granted for Khan to possess a personal firearm and procure an armoured vehicle.

Case Title: Rita Devi v The State Of Maharashtra & Anr.