Salman Khan House Firing : Shooters Took Refuge in Mata No Madh temple in Kutch

Ahmedabad : On April 14th, Mumbai was shaken by the news of a shooting incident outside the residence of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The perpetrators, later identified as Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, managed to escape the scene. This article details their escape route, the meticulous police investigation, and the dramatic capture that unfolded in a remote temple in Gujarat.

Following the shooting, Gupta and Pal fled Bandra, leaving their motorcycle near a church. They then boarded a train from Borivali to Santacruz. Extensive CCTV footage review revealed their entry into Gujarat by train, with a crucial detail – they discarded their phones and weapons in Surat. Their escape route continued to Ahmedabad by bus, and finally, on April 15th, they reached Mata No Madh village in Kutch, seeking refuge in the Ashapura Mata temple.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police wasted no time. Working tirelessly, they pieced together the escape route by analyzing CCTV footage and tracing the discarded phones. By Monday afternoon, intelligence sources pinpointed the suspects’ location near Mata No Madh. Recognizing the sensitivity of apprehending armed suspects in a crowded temple during Navratri celebrations, a joint operation involving both Mumbai and Gujarat Police was meticulously planned.

The operation’s complexity arose from the need to maintain secrecy and minimize risk to innocent devotees. Eight officers, including two from Mumbai, entered the temple disguised as civilians during a nighttime holy yagna attended by over 300 people. Fearing a potential shootout and bloodshed within the temple premises, the team strategically withdrew upon locating the suspects. However, they assured the Mumbai Police that apprehension would be swift and safe.

Kutch West DIG Mahendra Bagria, acting on inputs received around 2 PM on Monday, initiated a district-wide “naka-bandi” (checkpoint) operation under the guise of Lok Sabha elections, further tightening the noose around the suspects. With photos of the accused in hand, the police awaited their opportunity.

Finally, a well-coordinated operation unfolded. The team discreetly reached the temple again and apprehended Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal while they rested near the Yagya Kund (sacrificial fire pit). Their capture, executed with utmost caution to ensure the safety of devotees, marked a significant victory for law enforcement.