The firearms were reportedly collected from a pre-arranged location in Amritsar using a method known as a “dead letter box”.
MUMBAI: Investigators probing the firing at actor Tiger Shroff’s car have uncovered details of an alleged weapons supply network, sources said.The firearms were reportedly collected from a pre-arranged location in Amritsar using a method known as a “dead letter box”.The two accused, identified as Kunal and Sumit, allegedly travelled to Amritsar around a fortnight ago to collect the weapons.Sources said Anil Pandit had shared the pickup location with them in advance and was in contact with Kunal through an encrypted messaging app.A "dead letter box" refers to a pre-arranged location where an item is left for another person to collect, without the two individuals necessarily meeting.
Sources said the two accused did not know who had placed the weapons at the location in Amritsar.Sources further said Anil Pandit allegedly paid them between Rs 70,000 and Rs 80,000 for the task.Of this amount, around Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 was allegedly paid to two women, identified as Babita and Radha, who were tasked with transporting the weapons to Mumbai.According to news agency ANI, Kunal was released from Sonipat jail in July this year.
After his release, a friend allegedly introduced him to Anil Pandit, following which the two began communicating through an encrypted application.Sources said Anil Pandit allegedly tasked Kunal with collecting the weapons from Amritsar and arranging their transportation to Mumbai around a fortnight ago.Investigators suspect Kunal then enlisted his girlfriend, Radha, to ferry the weapons. Radha and Babita reportedly work at a factory in Sonipat.
According to sources, Kunal met Radha around two months ago, and she travelled to Mumbai with Babita at his request.The latest details have emerged as the Mumbai Crime Branch investigates the firing incident involving Shroff's car in Juhu on Sunday evening. The actor escaped unhurt, while his driver sustained injuries.On Wednesday, three key accused arrested in connection with the case were brought to Mumbai from Kota in Rajasthan.
After undergoing a medical examination, they were taken to the Anti-Extortion Cell office for questioning.The accused’s lawyer, Ajinkya Mirgal Madhukar, said they were taken for a medical examination before being brought to the Anti-Extortion Cell. He added that the inquiry was underway and that they were expected to be produced before a court the following morning.The Mumbai Crime Branch has also claimed that the shooters initially planned to target another prominent Bollywood celebrity but changed their plan after they were unable to reach the individual because of tight security.
Police have not disclosed the celebrity’s identity.According to the Crime Branch, the accused subsequently decided to target Shroff, allegedly believing that he would be an easier target.Meanwhile, Shroff's management team has cautioned against the circulation of fabricated statements, AI-generated videos and other unauthorised content falsely attributed to the actor in connection with the incident. The team has said the actor has not issued any statement or video regarding the case and urged media organisations and social media users to rely on verified information.The investigation into the firing and the alleged weapons supply network is ongoing.
(With agency inputs)