Mumbai, Ansari Aejaz Ahmed
The firing at Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff's vehicle in Mumbai has revived memories of the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, with investigators probing a possible link to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Both incidents occurred around the Dussehra festival period. Siddique was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office in Bandra East on October 12, 2024. On Sunday evening, unidentified assailants opened fire at Shroff's vehicle in Juhu, injuring his driver and another person.
Shroff escaped direct bullet injuries, although Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde later said the actor had suffered a gunpowder burn on his right hand.
The latest incident came to light after a social media post and an audio message, allegedly linked to individuals claiming to represent the Bishnoi gang, circulated online. The messages reportedly referred to Shroff's association with actor Salman Khan and issued threats against people working with him.
The reference to Khan has drawn attention because his name also figured in the investigation into Siddique's murder. The Bishnoi gang had claimed responsibility for the killing, while Mumbai Police alleged that the murder was part of a conspiracy to establish the gang's dominance and intimidate people associated with Khan.
Police had also alleged that Anmol Bishnoi, brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, played a role in directing the conspiracy behind Siddique's murder.
However, investigators have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the latest messages or established the Bishnoi gang's involvement in the firing at Shroff's vehicle. Any connection between the two incidents remains under investigation.
Reacting to the firing incident, Shinde said the state government would not allow criminal gangs to spread fear in Mumbai. After meeting Shroff at his residence, the Deputy Chief Minister assured the actor and his family of security and said those responsible would not be spared.
Shinde also referred to police action against gangsters in the 1990s, asserting that the government would take strict measures to prevent a return to an era marked by extortion, threats and shootings.
Mumbai Police have formed 15 teams to trace the attackers. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence and other clues to identify the shooters and establish the motive behind the attack.
The incident has also renewed concerns following the firing outside Salman Khan's residence in April 2024 and Siddique's subsequent murder in October that year.
The police are now examining whether the latest shooting was an attempt by an organised criminal gang to spread fear and strengthen its influence or whether it was driven by another motive. The investigation will determine who ordered the attack and whether it has any direct link to the earlier cases.
000
