CrimeInvestigation – Mumbai Crime Branch Uncovers Motive Behind Byculla Shooting
CrimeInvestigation – A major breakthrough has emerged in the investigation into the recent firing incident involving Sameer Asif Khan in Mumbai’s Byculla locality, with police indicating that a personal dispute linked to business dealings may have triggered the attack. The Mumbai Crime Branch has already detained two suspects, while investigators continue examining possible connections to organised crime networks operating in the city.
Authorities said the dispute reportedly stemmed from financial transactions connected to property-related business activities. According to investigators, the alleged mastermind and Sameer Asif Khan had been associated through work-related financial arrangements. Around two months before the attack, the prime suspect allegedly approached Khan regarding pending payments and profit-related matters. During that meeting, the accused is believed to have felt publicly insulted, which police suspect later escalated into a planned act of retaliation.
Police Trace Conspiracy Behind Attack
Crime Branch officials revealed that the two arrested individuals were allegedly acting under the instructions of the main conspirator. Investigators believe the suspects were assigned the responsibility of tracking Sameer’s movements and carrying out the attack when an opportunity arose.
Police stated that the accused were allegedly supplied with a firearm and were monitoring Khan for several days before the incident occurred. Officers suspect that the attack was carefully planned rather than spontaneous.
Firing Incident Took Place Near Dockyard Road
According to the First Information Report registered at Byculla Police Station, the shooting occurred at approximately 5:45 pm on May 12, 2026. Investigators said Sameer had stepped out of his residence when the accused allegedly began following him on a motorcycle.
The police investigation suggests that the attackers continued trailing him until he stopped near Meenakshi Apartment in the Dockyard Road area. It was there that the assailants allegedly opened fire. Sameer sustained injuries during the incident and was immediately shifted to a hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
CCTV Footage Helped Police Identify Accused
Following the shooting, the Mumbai Crime Branch initiated a separate parallel investigation alongside the local police inquiry. Officials relied heavily on CCTV footage collected from nearby locations, technical surveillance, and information gathered from confidential informers.
During the investigation, the names of Sadik Sheikh Liaqat Sheikh and Zeeshan Anwar Sheikh surfaced as key suspects. Police teams from Crime Branch Unit 3 and Unit 2 later received information that the accused were hiding near the Mahim Dargah area.
Acting on the tip-off, officers laid a trap and arrested both suspects around midnight. Police also recovered the pistol allegedly used in the attack, the motorcycle believed to have been used during the crime, and several mobile phones from the accused individuals.
Profit-Sharing Dispute Under Investigation
Sources involved in the investigation stated that during initial questioning, the arrested suspects allegedly admitted that tensions over financial settlements and profit-sharing arrangements had contributed to the attack. Investigators are now examining the complete financial background of the dispute and whether additional individuals were involved in planning the incident.
A case has been registered under Sections 109, 308, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act and the Arms Act.
Possible Underworld Links Raise Concern
Police sources further disclosed that Sameer is the son of Asif Dadhi, who had allegedly been linked to the D-Company network in the past. Investigators also noted that in 2007, Asif Dadhi reportedly survived a separate firing incident believed to have involved individuals associated with the Rajan gang.
Because of these alleged historical links, Mumbai Police are treating the current case as highly sensitive. Senior officials are continuing to investigate whether the latest attack was solely connected to a business dispute or if broader criminal connections may also be involved.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are expected to question more individuals in the coming days as they work to determine the full scope of the conspiracy.