Tiger Shroff escaped unharmed after unidentified assailants allegedly opened fire at his vehicle in Mumbai’s Juhu on Sunday evening, injuring two members of the actor’s staff, Mumbai Police said. Fifteen police teams have been formed to identify the attackers and establish the motive behind the incident.
The firing took place around 7 pm near Pushpa Park, according to a police officer quoted by The Indian Express. Three men on a motorcycle allegedly approached Shroff as he was leaving the area after playing football. The actor had entered his car when the assailants opened fire, the report said.
The bullets missed Shroff. His driver, identified as Firdous, suffered a minor gunshot injury and was reported to be out of danger. Another staff member, Umesh Chavan, also sustained a bullet injury. Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohit Garg said both injured men were receiving treatment in hospital and confirmed that Shroff had not suffered any bullet injury.
Police teams from Juhu police station, the Crime Branch and nearby police stations reached the scene after being alerted. Garg and other senior officers also visited the location. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the assailants and trace their movements.
A social media post circulated in WhatsApp groups and purportedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the firing and issued threats to members of the film industry who work with actor Salman Khan. The post mentioned a man identifying himself as Anil Pandit and also referred to Harman Sandhu. Mumbai Police have not verified the authenticity of the post or confirmed any connection between the firing and the gang.
Minister Ashish Shelar said he had spoken to Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and confirmed that Shroff was safe and that the injured staff members had been taken to Nanavati Hospital. Shelar said the incident occurred as the actor was returning after playing football.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the shooting and said gang wars would not be tolerated in Mumbai. He also said artists should not have to live in fear and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
The incident has also triggered a political response. Congress leader Sachin Sawant criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, and questioned the state of law and order in Mumbai, referring to earlier incidents involving threats and attacks targeting people in the film industry.
The investigation is continuing, with police focusing on CCTV footage, the movements of the attackers and the authenticity of the social media claim.
