The investigation into the firing at Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff’s vehicle in Mumbai has taken investigators to Punjab, where an alleged arms supplier based in Amritsar has come under scrutiny over the pistol and ammunition suspected to have been used in the attack.
Sources said investigators are examining how the firearm and 20 rounds allegedly reached the accused, including suspicions that the weapons may have been brought into India from Pakistan. The suspected cross-border connection has not yet been conclusively established.
The case has renewed concerns over the movement of illegal firearms from Punjab to other parts of the country. State police sources have previously warned that weapons allegedly smuggled across the international border, including through drones, could find their way into the hands of organised criminal groups and individuals involved in targeted attacks.
Police trace alleged chain of weapon delivery
The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested four people in connection with the case. The accused have been identified as Kunal, 21, and Sumit, 19, both from Sonipat, and Radha and Babita, both 23, from Uttar Pradesh.
According to the police investigation, Kunal, who had recently been released on bail, was allegedly introduced to Anil Pandit, a 32-year-old gangster originally from Panipat who is reportedly based in the United States and suspected of links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Investigators allege that Pandit instructed Kunal and Sumit to collect a pistol and 20 rounds of ammunition from Amritsar. Kunal allegedly arranged for Radha to transport the consignment to Mumbai.
Police sources said Radha and Babita travelled from New Delhi on October 15 and arrived in Mumbai on October 17. A minor boy allegedly collected the bag containing the weapon from Radha near their hotel.
The shooting occurred the following evening. The two women returned to Delhi on October 18 and were arrested on October 20. Mumbai Police subsequently secured three-day transit remand for the four accused.
Investigators are now working to establish the alleged roles of the individuals involved and determine whether others participated in arranging the firearm's delivery.
Three rounds fired at actor's car
The attack took place 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 unhurt, while his driver sustained injuries.
Hours after the incident, a man identifying himself as Anil Pandit posted a video claiming responsibility for the shooting. The message also threatened members of the film industry who work with Salman Khan.
Authorities are examining the claim alongside other evidence gathered in the case. The investigation is expected to focus on both the circumstances of the attack and the suspected network that supplied the weapon.
Earlier Salman Khan case also involved Punjab suppliers
The latest investigation has drawn comparisons with the April 2024 firing outside Salman Khan's residence in Mumbai's Bandra area. In that case, Mumbai Police arrested two alleged weapon suppliers from Sangrur, according to reports.
Security agencies have repeatedly highlighted the recovery of illegal firearms and explosives in Punjab during operations against suspected terror modules and organised criminal networks.
On September 14, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the Counter Intelligence wing had busted 92 terror modules and arrested 686 alleged terrorists since March 2022.
The recoveries reported during that period included 54 rifles, 599 revolvers and pistols, 131 hand grenades, 38 improvised explosive devices and 28.887 kg of RDX. Authorities also reported intercepting 952 drones out of 1,493 sightings.
Focus shifts to the source of the firearm
With the alleged Amritsar link now under examination, investigators are seeking to establish where the weapon originated, how it was transported and whether the suspected supplier was connected to a larger arms-smuggling operation.
The probe also seeks to determine whether the alleged movement of the firearm was organised specifically for the attack or formed part of a broader supply network.
While four people have been arrested, the suspected links involving the alleged supplier, cross-border smuggling and the wider criminal network remain subject to investigation. Authorities have yet to establish the full sequence of events through the ongoing probe.
About Punjabi Mania News Network
Editorial team at Punjabi Mania. Passionate about bringing the latest updates from the Punjabi entertainment industry directly to you.
Discussion 0
Join the Conversation
Share your thoughts, reply to others, and become part of the community.