What is MCOCA? Section latched on all accused in Salman Khan's house firing case

In a recent development, the Mumbai Police has invoked sections of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all the accused arrested in connection with the firing incident at Salman Khan's house. Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has been identified as the gang leader, who was involved in the crime. Earlier, the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested shooters Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, along with two arms suppliers.

What is MCOCA?

The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, enacted in 1999, was designed to combat organized crime in India. Also known as the MCOCA 1999 Bare Act, it grants state police extensive powers to investigate and prosecute crime syndicates, including the authority to intercept communications, utilize secret witnesses, and seize property. MCOCA is considered a crucial tool in the fight against organized crime, with every offense under its purview recognized as a cognizable offense under the Code of Criminal Procedure Act.

Court proceedings and custody extension

During a recent court hearing on April 25, both accused individuals were presented before the court regarding the April 14 firing incident outside Galaxy Apartment in Mumbai. The court extended the police custody of Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal for four additional days, keeping them in custody until April 29.

Investigation revelations

The Investigating Officer disclosed during the hearing that following the shooting, the accused changed their appearance multiple times, including their clothes and shoes. The crime branch is actively searching for the discarded clothing and footwear, along with the remaining 18 bullets from the incident. Additionally, the mobile phones of both accused individuals have been recovered, with the police working to verify calls made from these devices.

How did it happen? 

According to Mumbai Crime Branch reports, the shooters involved in the incident had been instructed to fire 10 rounds of bullets. On the morning of April 14, two individuals arrived on a motorcycle and fired four gunshots outside Galaxy Apartments before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage captured both suspects wearing caps and carrying backpacks, further aiding the investigation.