Tiger Shroff firing: Accused tell police aim was to spread fear in film industry, not kill

Two shooters arrested in the firing on actor Tiger Shroff, Phool Singh and Rehan, have told investigators that their aim was only to scare the actor, not to kill him, sources said. They are said to have made the statement during questioning.

During questioning by the Crime Branch, the accused allegedly claimed they had a chance to attack when Shroff was playing football close to them. They allegedly told investigators there was no security around the actor at the time. They said that had they wanted to kill him, they could have attacked then and left.

The accused also allegedly said they had been instructed only to frighten the actor and create an atmosphere of fear in the film industry. The Crime Branch is examining these claims. It is also looking into the motive behind the attack and an alleged conspiracy involving several people.

The firing took place in Juhu on October 18, as Shroff was leaving a football club. Five rounds were fired at his car. The actor was not seriously hurt, but his driver and a fan, Umesh Chauhan, were injured.

The probe is no longer limited to the alleged shooters. It now covers the alleged planning of the attack, the arrangement and movement of weapons, and the role of those who allegedly provided logistical help.

The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested 11 people in the case. Anil Pandit, whom the accused have described as the alleged mastermind, is still absconding. Police suspect the attack was carried out as part of a larger criminal conspiracy.

The stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) has been invoked in the case. It allows police to investigate allegations of organised criminal activity, provided the legal conditions are met.

On October 29, a special MCOCA court remanded all 11 accused in police custody till November 6. The Crime Branch told the court that the accused allegedly worked as a team, so they have to be questioned together, with the evidence gathered in the probe placed before them.

Investigators have allegedly found voice notes and other digital material on the phones of some of the accused. The recordings are being examined for details of the alleged purchase, upkeep and delivery of weapons.

Investigators are also looking at whether the attack is linked to an alleged criminal network targeting prominent figures of the Hindi film industry. An audio clip in which a person claiming to be Anil Pandit allegedly took responsibility for the attack is part of this wider probe. Police are examining Pandit's alleged role. Any connection with other gang members or attacks is yet to be confirmed.