NEW DELHI: Unknown gunmen opened fire at actor Tiger Shroff on Sunday, injuring his driver and another person, an autorickshaw driver. The incident took place near Mumbai's Pushpa Park, within the limits of Juhu police station in the western suburb.According to police, the actor escaped unhurt, while his driver, identified as Firdaus, sustained an injury to his left hand."The chain of events leading to the incident is being pieced together," a police official said."Shroff is safe and has not sustained any injuries in the firing incident. His driver, identified as Firdaus, and another driver of the autorickshaw, identified only as Chauhan, were injured in the shooting and were rushed for medical treatment," the official added.Shroff and his driver were taken to Nanavati Hospital in Vile Parle. Doctors said the actor had sustained a few abrasions but no bullet wounds.The third person was taken to Cooper Hospital after sustaining bullet injuries to his chest.
gang claims responsibility
Meanwhile, Anil Pandit and Harman Sandhu, purportedly associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility for the attack."Ram Ram to all the brothers. Anil Pandit and Harman Sandhu take responsibility for what happened to Tiger Shroff today.
We had called him and tried to explain things to him, but he did not understand. So today, we made him understand properly," Anil Pandit said in a Facebook post."Anyone in the Mumbai film industry who does not listen to us or works with Salman Khan will be next. Wait and watch."Note: And those dogs from other groups who think they can gain fame by using our name - we will soon kill them and make them famous."Salute to the martyrs," he added.The authenticity of the claims and their alleged link to the firing had yet to be independently established. Police are investigating the incident and examining the available evidence to determine the motive behind the shooting.
Police launch massive manhunt
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police has launched a manhunt to nab those involved in the incident. Specialised teams are examining CCTV footage from the area for leads."The incident occurred while Tiger Shroff was returning in his car.
He was not hit by any bullets and is completely safe. Mumbai Police has formed multiple teams and initiated further action. The forensic team has begun its preliminary analysis, with approximately 15 teams currently working on the case," DCP Mohit Garg said."Further information will be shared as it becomes available. As I mentioned, the forensic team is carrying out its investigation. At this stage, it would not be appropriate to disclose specific details regarding the number of rounds fired," he added.
Fadnavis directs Mumbai Police to expedite probe
Meanwhile, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis called the Mumbai Police commissioner to seek details about the firing incident.He directed the commissioner to expedite the investigation and take strict action against those responsible.Fadnavis also called Tiger Shroff and spoke with him.He assured him, saying, “We are all with you. We will trace and apprehend the accused at the earliest.”Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde also condemned the incident and said Mumbai Police has formed several teams to track down those who opened fire.
He added that the accused will be given a response in their own language."Tiger Shroff’s vehicle was targeted. This incident is deeply concerning and condemnable; I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. I have spoken with the Police Commissioner, and I have also spoken with Tiger Shroff. The Mumbai Police Commissioner has formed several teams to track down those who opened fire—they will be apprehended and given a response in their own language.
Our current priority is to keep Mumbai and its citizens safe.
Whether it is a celebrity or an ordinary citizen, ensuring their safety is the responsibility of the police and the government, and there will be no negligence in this regard," Shinde said."No gang will be spared; we will not let them get away with this. We have seen large-scale gang wars like this before, back in the 1990s. Even then, the Mumbai Police effectively handled the situation—they dealt with the perpetrators in their own language, ensuring that law and order were maintained.
So, any gang attempting to spread terror here should think twice. This is Mumbai; this is Maharashtra," he added.
Rohit Shetty, Salman Khan among film personalities targeted
Several personalities from the film industry have been targeted in shooting incidents in recent years.In February this year, five rounds were fired outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence in Juhu. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the firing.
In April 2024, two men on a motorcycle fired five rounds outside actor Salman Khan's Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai's Bandra area.Mumbai Police arrested several suspects linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The trial against five accused - Vicky Gupta, Sagar Pal, Harpal Singh, Sonukumar Bishnoi and Mohammad Rafiq Choudhari - is underway. The sixth accused, Anuj Kumar Thapan, died in police custody in May 2024.