Mumbai: The investigation into the firing incident targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai has expanded to Punjab, with investigators tracing the alleged supply of the pistol and ammunition used in the attack to a suspected arms supplier in Amritsar.
According to sources, the weapon and 20 rounds of ammunition were allegedly obtained from an Amritsar-based individual, who is suspected of having sourced them from Pakistan. Investigators are examining the supply chain to establish how the weapon reached the accused and whether the case is connected to a wider cross-border arms network.
Punjab Police sources have previously raised concerns about weapons being smuggled into the state from across the international border, allegedly through drones. Officials have warned that such consignments could eventually reach criminal gangs and terror networks operating in different parts of the country.
Four arrested as police piece together alleged conspiracy
The Delhi Police Special Cell’s investigation has led to the arrest of four people in connection with the case: Kunal, 21, and Sumit, 19, both from Sonipat, along with Radha and Babita, both 23 and residents of Uttar Pradesh.
Investigators allege that Kunal, who had recently been released on bail, came into contact with Anil Pandit, a 32-year-old gangster originally from Panipat who is now reportedly based in the United States and linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
According to the police account, Pandit allegedly directed Kunal and Sumit to collect a pistol and 20 rounds of ammunition from Amritsar. Kunal is then suspected of arranging for Radha to transport the weapon to Mumbai.
Radha and Babita reportedly left New Delhi on October 15 and arrived in Mumbai two days later. Police allege that a minor boy subsequently collected the bag containing the weapon from Radha near their hotel.
The firing took place the following evening. The two women returned to Delhi on October 18 and were arrested on October 20. Mumbai Police have obtained three days of transit remand for the four accused as the investigation continues.
The alleged role of the Amritsar-based supplier remains under scrutiny, particularly over how the firearm and ammunition were procured and delivered.
Three shots fired near Juhu football ground
The incident occurred near Pushpa Park in Mumbai’s Juhu area on Sunday as Shroff was leaving a football ground in his car. Three rounds were reportedly fired at the vehicle.
The actor escaped without injuries, while his driver was hurt in the incident.
Hours after the shooting, a man identifying himself as Anil Pandit claimed responsibility in a video circulated online. The speaker also issued a threat against people in the film industry associated with actor Salman Khan.
Investigators are examining the claim of responsibility alongside the alleged roles of the arrested suspects and the origin of the weapon.
Earlier attacks also linked to Punjab-based suppliers
The investigation has renewed attention on the alleged movement of firearms from Punjab into criminal networks operating elsewhere in India.
In the April 2024 shooting outside Salman Khan’s residence in Mumbai’s Bandra area, Mumbai Police arrested two alleged weapon suppliers from Sangrur, according to reports.
Security agencies are now examining whether the latest case reflects a similar pattern of weapons being sourced through Punjab and transported to other states for targeted attacks.
Punjab Police cite extensive arms recoveries
Punjab Police have repeatedly highlighted the recovery of weapons and other suspected contraband during operations against organised crime and terror networks.
On September 14, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the Counter Intelligence wing had dismantled 92 terror modules and arrested 686 alleged terrorists since March 2022.
During the same period, authorities reported recovering 54 rifles, 599 revolvers and pistols, 131 hand grenades, 38 improvised explosive devices and 28.887 kilograms of RDX. Police also reported intercepting 952 drones out of 1,493 sightings.
The figures underline the scale of the security challenge cited by Punjab authorities as investigators pursue the alleged supply chain in the Tiger Shroff firing case.
The probe is continuing, with agencies seeking to establish the full route of the firearm, the extent of the accused persons’ involvement and whether the alleged supplier had connections to a larger network.
