MCOCA invoked against all accused in firing on Tiger Shroff's car in Juhu

Mumbai Crime Branch has added provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all the accused in the case of firing on the car of Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff. Police officers said the step was taken on Tuesday after approval from the competent authority. The stringent law has been invoked in the case registered on October 19.

The firing took place in Juhu on October 18. The attackers, riding a motorcycle, are alleged to have fired at Shroff's car. The actor was not hurt, while his driver and another person were reportedly injured. The investigation was later handed over to the Crime Branch's anti-extortion cell.

Police suspect a larger network was behind the attack, one that arranged weapons, delivered ammunition and coordinated between the alleged shooters. Investigators are looking into how the weapons were procured and moved, and into the alleged roles of those involved in the conspiracy. Police are also examining the alleged role of Anil Pandit, whom they describe as a key figure in the conspiracy and as linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

The case was initially registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections on attempt to murder and acts done with common intention, along with sections of the Arms Act. The Crime Branch had earlier also added Section 111 of the BNS, which deals with organised crime. After obtaining the necessary approval, sections 3(1)(ii), 3(2) and 3(4) of MCOCA have now been applied. These relate to punishment for organised crime, conspiring or assisting in such an offence, and membership of an organised crime syndicate. Depending on the section, these offences carry punishment of up to life imprisonment and a fine of at least Rs 5 lakh.

Investigators are also looking into the allegation that the homes of other Bollywood actors were reconnoitred during the planning. The aim is to establish who else could have been targeted and how far the alleged conspiracy extended. The accused were produced before the Esplanade Court on October 21.

MCOCA, enacted in 1999, is a stringent law meant to deal with organised crime carried out through syndicates or gangs. It places additional restrictions on bail. If the public prosecutor opposes bail, the court must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe the accused is not guilty and is unlikely to commit any offence while on bail. The period for investigation before the chargesheet is filed can also be extended from 90 days to a maximum of 180 days, provided the Special Court approves and the legal conditions are met.

The accused will now face proceedings under these additional sections before the designated Special Court. The investigating agency will have to prove, through evidence, the alleged organised crime links and the role of each accused. The application of MCOCA does not establish anyone's guilt. It is the prosecution's responsibility to prove the allegations in court. The investigation is continuing.