Maharashtra has ordered a review of security arrangements for film personalities following a reported attack on actor Tiger Shroff, while the state is considering a specialised intelligence wing to monitor threats to film stars, politicians and other VIPs, according to a report by Navbharat Times – Mumbai.
The report said the review was directed after an incident on October 18 in which Shroff’s car was allegedly attacked. It attributed the information to an official of the state Home Ministry, who said the incident had prompted the Chief Minister to speak to the Mumbai Police Commissioner and seek an assessment of film personalities facing repeated threats or considered potential targets.
The review is expected to give particular attention to actors close to Salman Khan, the report said. The move follows earlier incidents cited in the report, including firing outside Khan’s Galaxy Apartments, gunfire outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence and repeated extortion and death threats received by several artists. The report did not provide details of arrests, charges or the outcome of investigations into the incidents.
The proposed intelligence wing would operate within the state intelligence department and focus separately on the security and threat assessment of film stars, political leaders and other VIPs. The Home Ministry official said the government was working to strengthen the intelligence department and that a decision on creating the additional wing could be taken in the coming days.
The proposal also highlights how security decisions for private individuals are made within Maharashtra’s existing policing structure. According to the report, the Protection and Security Wing of the Mumbai Police takes decisions under the observation of the Home Department, while reviews at the state level involve the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director General of Police.
Security cover is not permanent under the process described in the report. It may be increased, reduced or withdrawn after periodic threat assessments. These assessments can consider threat letters, intelligence reports, previous incidents and the person’s current risk profile. The report said a request is first assessed by the Mumbai Police and may then be examined by the State Intelligence Department or another relevant branch.
The findings are subsequently sent to the Joint Commissioner of Police responsible for law and order or senior officers. Security arrangements are finalised after approval by the competent authorities. The report said government policy generally provides protection to private individuals only when there is a real threat to their lives.
The immediate operational question for Mumbai Police is whether the latest review will result in revised protection for specific actors or lead to a broader institutional change. The Home Ministry official said the government did not want any gang to rebuild its presence in Mumbai. The next decision on the proposed intelligence wing and the outcome of the security review will determine how the state responds to the reported escalation in threats against public-facing individuals.
