‘Salman Is the Industry’s Only Tiger’: The Remark That Triggered an Attack on Tiger Shroff

‘Salman Is the Only Tiger in Bollywood’: Praise for Salman Khan May Have Made Tiger Shroff a Target

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang allegedly targeted Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff because of a remark he made praising Salman Khan, according to one of the accused questioned in connection with the firing incident outside the actor’s residence. The revelation has emerged as investigators continue to probe the alleged assassination attempt and trace the network behind the attack.

The incident took place on Sunday, October 18, when two shooters allegedly opened fire at Shroff’s BMW as he was leaving a playground in Mumbai’s Juhu area after playing football. The attackers reportedly fired seven rounds before fleeing on a motorcycle with the help of an accomplice. The actor’s driver and a bystander sustained injuries.

A member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang subsequently claimed responsibility for the attack. The accused shooters were later apprehended aboard the Pune-Jaipur Superfast Express at Kota railway station in Rajasthan.

The Remark That Allegedly Triggered the Attack
According to investigators, one of the accused has claimed that a comment made by Tiger Shroff during a film promotion event in 2022 may have contributed to the gang’s decision to target him.

The accused reportedly told officials that Shroff had praised Salman Khan, describing the Bajrangi Bhaijaan star as the only “tiger” in the film industry. Investigators are examining whether the remark played a role in the alleged conspiracy.

The reported revelation has brought renewed attention to the association between the two actors, particularly given the Bishnoi gang’s longstanding hostility towards Salman Khan. The gang has previously issued threats against people perceived to be close to the superstar.

The animosity towards Salman Khan dates back to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, which arose from allegations that the actor hunted a blackbuck during the shooting of Hum Saath-Saath Hain in Rajasthan. The blackbuck is considered sacred by the Bishnoi community. Lawrence Bishnoi has repeatedly demanded an apology from the actor and issued threats against him.

Accused Allegedly Followed Police Investigation on Social Media
Investigators are also examining whether the accused received information about the police operation through social media and internet-based communications.

Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects may have been monitoring updates about the investigation. CCTV footage reportedly showed one of the accused, identified as Rehan, frequently using his mobile phone.

Police suspect that details about the investigation were being relayed to the accused through internet calls and messages. According to sources, the shooters were allegedly informed when the motorcycle used in their escape was discovered in Mumbai’s Andheri area. They were also reportedly alerted to developments concerning their movements by train.

The suspects allegedly used motorcycles, trains and taxis to evade arrest. However, acting on information shared by Mumbai Police, Kota Police eventually apprehended the accused aboard a train travelling towards Jaipur.

Investigators are now attempting to identify the individuals who may have supplied information about the police operation to the suspects.

One Phone Call Helped Police Trace the Escape Route
According to sources, the accused switched off their mobile phones and internet connections after the firing in an attempt to avoid detection. During the alleged conspiracy, the shooters and their handlers reportedly relied on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls to communicate.

However, investigators identified a regular telephone call made by one of the suspects, which reportedly became a crucial lead.

Following the shooting, the accused allegedly travelled by local train from Andheri to Borivali before hiring a private cab to reach Surat. The call made to the cab driver came under the police scanner and helped investigators establish the suspects’ movements.

A team from Mumbai Police’s Anti-Extortion Cell subsequently travelled to Surat. During questioning, the cab driver reportedly confirmed that he had dropped the suspects at Surat railway station.

Police then examined CCTV footage and railway reservation records to establish which train the accused had boarded. Investigators traced their movements towards Jaipur and coordinated with local police in Rajasthan.

The operation ultimately led to the detention of the three main suspects at Kota railway station. According to police sources, tracing the escape route would have been considerably more difficult without the regular phone call.

Two women have also reportedly been arrested in connection with the alleged supply of weapons used in the attack.

Tiger Shroff Yet to Record His Statement
Tiger Shroff was reportedly left shaken after his vehicle came under fire on October 18. According to Mumbai Police sources, the actor told investigators that he was shocked by the incident and had no known enmity with anyone.

He reportedly said he did not know the identity of the attackers, the reason behind the shooting or who might have orchestrated it.

A Crime Branch official said the actor’s statement had not yet been recorded because he was still disturbed by the incident. Police are expected to record his statement as the investigation progresses.

Investigators are continuing to examine the alleged motive, the role of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and the communication network that may have helped the accused evade the police.