A suspect arrested in the Tiger Shroff shooting case has told Mumbai Police that the actor may have been targeted because he praised Salman Khan in 2022. Investigators are checking the claim as they trace the alleged Lawrence Bishnoi gang network behind the October 18 attack in Juhu.
Salman Khan Praise Emerges as Possible Motive
According to reports citing investigators, one arrested suspect said Tiger Shroff drew the gang's attention after calling Salman Khan the only tiger in the film industry at a film promotion event in 2022. Police have not established that this remark caused the attack.
The gang has previously been linked to threats against Salman Khan amid a long-running dispute connected to a blackbuck poaching case.
Shots Fired at Tiger Shroff Car in Juhu
On October 18, gunmen targeted Shroff's BMW as he left a Juhu football ground in Mumbai. NDTV reported that two men fired seven rounds before escaping on a motorcycle with an accomplice. Shroff survived, while his driver and a bystander sustained injuries.
A person claiming an association with the Bishnoi gang later claimed responsibility, but investigators are still working to establish who planned and ordered the shooting.
Cab Driver Call Helps Police Trace Suspects
Police say the suspects tried to avoid detection by switching off phones and using internet based calls. They reportedly travelled by local train from Andheri to Borivali, hired a cab to Surat and then boarded a train towards Jaipur.
A regular phone call to the cab driver gave investigators a lead. CCTV footage and railway records helped them trace the journey, and three suspected shooters were detained at Kota railway station.
Police Examine Leaks and Weapons Supply
Investigators suspect the accused were receiving updates on the police search through social media or internet calls. They are checking whether anyone shared confidential information with the group.
Two women were also arrested over alleged weapons supply, and police reported recovering firearms and ammunition in Surat. Shroff reportedly told officers he had no personal dispute with anyone. His formal statement had not been recorded when the latest report was published.
