Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ A terrific shooting incident involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff has raised fresh concerns about the safety of celebrities and ordinary citizens in Mumbai. The attack, allegedly linked to members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, has brought renewed attention to the growing threats facing the film industry and the challenge of preventing organised crime in India’s financial capital.
Shooting outside Juhu football club
The incident took place in Mumbai’s Juhu area as Tiger Shroff was leaving a football club after a game. According to initial reports, two unidentified shooters allegedly fired several rounds at his car. Five bullets reportedly struck the vehicle, leaving his driver and an autorickshaw driver injured. The shooting created panic in the area. After the attack, the two shooters allegedly escaped on a motorcycle arranged by a third person. In a quick response, Tiger reportedly took control of the car and drove his injured driver to Nanavati Hospital. Although the actor survived the attack, reports of injuries caused by broken glass and gunpowder raised concerns about how close the incident came to becoming more serious. The incident also highlighted the risks faced by public figures who move around the city without adequate protection.
Police investigation and arrests
Mumbai Police launched an investigation, examining CCTV footage and tracing the suspects’ alleged escape route. The search reportedly extended beyond Maharashtra as investigators followed leads about the accused. By Monday morning, three suspects had been arrested at Kota railway station in Rajasthan. Initial reports identified them as Hritik Kumar, also known as Roshan, 22, from Begusarai in Bihar; Rehan, 18, from Sonipat in Haryana; and a 17-year-old boy, also from Sonipat. Kumar reportedly worked as a Rapido rider in Mumbai’s Andheri West area. The case was subsequently transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further investigation. Authorities are expected to examine the alleged motive, the suspects’ connections and the role of anyone who may have helped plan the attack. The allegations will need to be established through the investigation and legal proceedings.
Bishnoi gang claims responsibility and issues warning
The incident took a more troubling turn when individuals claiming to represent the Lawrence Bishnoi gang allegedly took responsibility in social media posts. The messages also threatened other members of the Mumbai film industry who work with Salman Khan. The posts claimed that Tiger had previously been warned, but had failed to respond as demanded. The threats suggested that other film personalities could become targets if they continued working with Salman or refused to follow the gang’s instructions. These claims have raised fears that the attack may be part of a wider attempt to intimidate Bollywood rather than an isolated incident. However, the authenticity of the messages and the precise role of the accused must be established by investigators.
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Who is Lawrence Bishnoi, and how is Salman Khan involved?
The reported threat is linked to a long-running dispute between gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Salman Khan. The conflict dates back to the 1998 blackbuck hunting case involving the actor in Rajasthan. The blackbuck holds religious significance for the Bishnoi community, which is known for its commitment to wildlife protection. Bishnoi reportedly viewed the case as an offence against his community’s beliefs. In 2018, he publicly threatened Salman Khan while appearing in court in Jodhpur. Over the years, investigators have linked the Bishnoi network to murder, extortion and illegal arms activities.
The gang has also been associated with several high-profile killings, including the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala and the 2024 killing of Mumbai politician Baba Siddique. In Canada, authorities have also raised allegations concerning the gang’s possible involvement in violence targeting members of the Sikh community. Such cases underline the reported reach of criminal networks beyond India’s borders. The fresh threats against people associated with Salman Khan suggest that the dispute could have consequences for a wider circle of film professionals. For Bollywood, the concern is no longer limited to one actor’s security but extends to colleagues, employees and families.
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Celebrities and political leaders react
The shooting prompted concern across the entertainment industry. Actor Suniel Shetty said the incident was disturbing, adding that if someone as well-known as Tiger could face such danger, anyone could be vulnerable. Singer Mika Singh also expressed his concern in a video on Instagram and highlighted the issue of public safety and appealed to the authorities to take it seriously. Singer Amaal Mallik said Tiger is a nice person and expressed concern over his well-being. Actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan said he has faith in the Maharashtra Police and demanded strict action against the culprits.
Additionally, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees condemned the incident and demanded greater protection for Tiger and his family. The All India Cine Workers Association also wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking security for the actor. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reportedly spoke to Tiger over the phone and assured him that action would be taken. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde later visited the actor at his residence. Shinde said Tiger had suffered injuries to his hand from gunpowder and broken glass, adding that the government would not tolerate attacks on public figures.
A wider question about Mumbai’s safety
The shooting has once again placed Mumbai’s security arrangements under scrutiny. The city is home to major film studios, business centres and millions of residents, making public safety a concern that extends far beyond celebrity protection. Celebrities may face threats because of their public image, but the safety of ordinary people is equally important. Strong policing, proper CCTV monitoring and quick action against criminal networks are essential to keeping the city safe. The shooting in a busy Mumbai neighbourhood has also raised concerns about how easily criminals can access illegal weapons, plan such attacks and escape to other states.
The arrest of the criminals represents an important development, but it does not end the larger concern. Investigators must find who ordered the attack, whether the gang’s claims are genuine and whether other people remain at risk. For Bollywood, the incident is a warning that threats against one prominent figure can quickly affect an entire industry. For Mumbai, it is a reminder that public confidence depends not only on arrests after a crime but also on preventing violence before it happens. Tiger Shroff’s narrow escape has therefore become more than a story about a celebrity shooting. It has brought an urgent question back into focus: how can Mumbai protect its public figures while ensuring that every resident feels safe in the city they call home?
