Tiger Shroff Shooting Linked to Salman Khan Praise
Police probe the alleged motive, suspected information leaks and the escape route of the accused in the Juhu firing case.
- Accused links alleged motive to Salman Khan praise
- Seven rounds reportedly fired at actor’s BMW
- Cab driver’s call helped trace escape route
- Two women arrested in alleged weapons supply case
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 24th Oct: The Lawrence Bishnoi gang allegedly targeted actor Tiger Shroff because he had praised Salman Khan during a film promotion event in 2022, one of the accused has reportedly told investigators probing the shooting incident.
According to the accused’s statement, Shroff had described Salman Khan as the only “tiger” in the film industry. Investigators are examining whether the remark played a role in the alleged plan, given the gang’s previous threats against Salman Khan and people perceived to be close to him.
The shooting took place on October 18, when two assailants allegedly fired seven rounds at Shroff’s BMW as he was leaving a playground in Mumbai’s Juhu area after playing football. The attackers reportedly fled on a motorcycle with an accomplice. The actor’s driver and a bystander sustained injuries.
A member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang later claimed responsibility for the attack. The accused were subsequently arrested aboard the Pune–Jaipur Superfast Express at Kota railway station in Rajasthan.
Police Suspect Information Leak
Investigators are examining whether the accused received updates about the police operation through internet-based calls and messages. CCTV footage reportedly showed one accused, identified as Rehan, frequently using his phone.
Police suspect that information about the recovery of the motorcycle in Andheri and the accused’s train journey may have been passed to them through intermediaries. Investigators are working to identify anyone who allegedly shared details of the probe.
One Phone Call Helped Trace the Route
After the firing, the accused allegedly switched off their mobile phones and internet connections to avoid detection. Their handlers reportedly communicated with them through internet-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls.
However, a regular phone call to a private cab driver became a crucial lead. The accused allegedly travelled by local train from Andheri to Borivali and then took a cab to Surat. During questioning, the driver reportedly told police that he had dropped them at Surat railway station.
Investigators examined CCTV footage and train reservation records to trace their onward journey towards Jaipur. Acting on the information, police teams tracked the route and detained the three alleged shooters at Kota railway station.
Two women have also been arrested in connection with the alleged supply of weapons used in the attack. The Mumbai Crime Branch reportedly recovered two firearms and 10 live cartridges from Surat, Gujarat.
Tiger Shroff Yet to Record Statement
Shroff reportedly told police that he had no known enmity with anyone and did not know who the attackers were or why they opened fire. A Crime Branch official said his statement had not yet been recorded as he was reportedly disturbed by the incident.
Police are expected to record the actor’s statement as the investigation progresses. Investigators are continuing to examine the alleged motive, the role of the gang’s handlers and the possible flow of information to the accused.
