Tiger Shroff firing: Lawrence Bishnoi gang claim emerges; political row erupts as police launch manhunt

Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff escaped unharmed on Sunday evening after unidentified gunmen opened fire on his car in Mumbai’s western suburb of Juhu. The shooting took place around 7 pm near Pushpa Park in Vile Parle West, just as the star was driving away after finishing a Sunday football match. While the actor emerged without a scratch, two men—his personal driver and an autorickshaw driver—were injured in the attack. The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, raising serious questions about law and order in India's financial capital.

What happened during the Sunday evening attack in Juhu

It was a typical Sunday at the local ground where film personalities often gather to play football. Eyewitness Shalma Shaikh, who runs 'Shalma Shaikh Blog' and regularly films celebrities, recalled that the match ended shortly after 7 pm. She called out to Tiger Shroff as he boarded his vehicle and drove towards the main road. Moments later, three to four gunshots rang out from inside a large crowd gathered to see the actor.

At first, people at the spot mistook the loud pops for early festive Diwali firecrackers. However, panic spread instantly when the vehicle came to a sudden halt on the road.

How the actor escaped unharmed while two people were hit

As bullets hit the car, Tiger Shroff acted quickly by ducking to the floor inside the vehicle. This split-second move saved his life, leaving him completely unharmed without a single scratch. His father, veteran actor Jackie Shroff, later confirmed that Tiger was safe and was assisting police officials with their inquiries.

However, the gunfire caused injuries to two individuals nearby. The actor's driver, identified as Firdaus, sustained gunshot wounds to his left hand, elbow, and palm. He was immediately taken to Nanavati Hospital, where doctors confirmed he is out of danger.

The second injured person was a 35-year-old autorickshaw driver named Chauhan. He arrived at Cooper Hospital’s casualty department at 7:10 pm with a gunshot entry wound two centimetres below his left nipple. Hospital officials confirmed he is currently undergoing treatment in a stable condition.

Fifteen police teams launched as Chief Minister promises action

Recognising the gravity of the incident, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mohit Garg stated that a preliminary analysis was conducted by a forensic team at the crime scene. Forensic experts inspected the vehicle and gathered ballistic evidence to determine the exact number of rounds fired.

A total of 15 dedicated investigation teams, comprising personnel from the Mumbai Crime Branch and local police under the Juhu Police Station, have been set up. Officers are sifting through extensive CCTV footage from surrounding locations to identify the assailants and trace their escape route.

The attack prompted top-level government intervention. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the state Home portfolio, spoke directly to Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, instructing him to track down the shooters swiftly. Fadnavis also spoke to Tiger Shroff over the phone, offering reassurance. "We are all with you. We will track down the accused soon. Do not worry," Fadnavis told the actor. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Tiger's sister, Krishna Shroff, both visited the actor's residence following the incident.

Gangster links and the political debate over Gujarat prisons

Investigating authorities are currently verifying an unauthenticated social media post in which the Lawrence Bishnoi gang allegedly claimed responsibility for the shooting. Former Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Vikram Singh termed the development shocking, stating, "This is a grave and shocking incident, and Lawrence Bishnoi has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack. The fact that his name has surfaced in connection with this incident is particularly concerning. It is imperative that the government, the administration, and the police take effective action".

Police noted that Lawrence Bishnoi's younger brother, Anmol Bishnoi, was previously booked in connection with the 2024 firing outside actor Salman Khan’s residence after posting threats on Facebook.

The alleged involvement of the Bishnoi syndicate quickly sparked a heated national debate. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed questioned how Lawrence Bishnoi could allegedly issue directives from inside a Gujarat jail, asking on social media: "How does Lawrence Bishnoi give orders sitting in a jail in Gujarat? Who is helping Lawrence in Gujarat? BJP govt in Gujarat has a lot of explaining to do". Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia similarly alleged that the ruling central government had turned Gujarat's correctional facilities into a "safe haven" for bloodthirsty gangsters.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLC Zeeshan Siddique, whose father Baba Siddique was murdered in 2024, voiced deep frustration over security lapses. Revealing that he had received four death threats over the last two months without any security upgrade, Siddique demanded direct custodial interrogation of Lawrence Bishnoi and the extradition of Anmol Bishnoi from the US. "If actors, politicians, and businessmen are not safe in Mumbai, how can the general public be?" Siddique asked. He added that recurring firing incidents signal an intelligence failure for which the state government must answer.

Film industry voices deep concern over recurring attacks

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing thousands of film industry workers, issued a strong statement condemning the attack. FWICE highlighted that this was the second such violent episode targeting film personalities, coming shortly after a shooting outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's property.

Demanding a time-bound investigation and enhanced protection for Tiger Shroff and his family, FWICE emphasised that artists and technicians must be allowed to work without fear. "The film industry contributes significantly to the cultural identity, employment and economy of our country. Its members must be able to carry out their professional and personal activities without fear, threats or intimidation," the federation stated. FWICE reiterated its trust in the Mumbai Police and the Chief Minister to restore safety and prevent future attacks.

Opposition leaders target state government over security collapse

The firing incident sparked sharp political criticism against Maharashtra Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis from across opposition parties. Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal accused the state government of creating a "jungle raj" and demanded Fadnavis's resignation on moral grounds. Congress leader Sachin Sawant and Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad similarly questioned the governance, with Gaikwad demanding a separate, dedicated Home Minister.

Congress leader Nana Patole called Fadnavis "the most incompetent Home Minister in Maharashtra's history," alleging that the government was focused on commission scams while violent crime rose unchecked. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut declared that law and order had completely collapsed and called for President's rule in the state. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare remarked that the shooting served as a direct warning that the Bishnoi gang operates with complete impunity.

NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Anil Deshmukh listed recent high-profile violence in Mumbai—including the killings of Baba Siddique, Abhishek Ghosalkar, and Pradeep Purnekar, as well as the firing at Salman Khan's house—asking whether Maharashtra was turning into Uttar Pradesh or Bihar. NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar warned that shootings in the nation's financial capital would severely damage investor confidence.

A brief look at the Bollywood star's background

Born Jai Hemant Shroff on March 2, 1990, Tiger Shroff has established himself as one of Indian cinema's top action actors. Holding a 5th-degree black belt in Taekwondo, he made his Bollywood debut with Heropanti in 2014. He subsequently starred in high-octane blockbusters such as Baaghi, Baaghi 2, and the YRF Spy Universe hit War. Outside of acting, Shroff co-founded Matrix Fight Night (MFN) in 2019, which has developed into India's largest mixed martial arts promotion platform.