Tiger Shroff firing case: Many bank accounts, QR codes used to hide money trail, Anil Pandit accused

The Mumbai Crime Branch's investigation into the firing targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff is throwing up startling details. Anil Pandit, the alleged mastermind of the attack, is accused of having prepared to mislead investigators even before the incident.

The probe has found that several bank accounts, different online payment methods and QR codes were used to make it hard for the police to follow the money trail. As the investigation progresses, the money threads of the alleged conspiracy are unravelling. It is alleged that Pandit built this complex web of transactions so that the Mumbai Police, along with central and local agencies, could not reach the real mastermind.

Between 25 and 30 different bank accounts were allegedly used to send money to the account of Amar Suresh Mundelia, the 12th accused arrested in the case. Small amounts are also suspected to have been deposited into Mundelia's account through different online payment modes and several QR codes. Investigators suspect the main purpose of these transactions was to hide the real source of the money and to mislead the police while they traced the links.

The Crime Branch's technical and financial probe has so far found initial details of suspicious transactions worth about Rs 50,000. Investigating officers said the transactions are being examined in depth, so the figure could rise.

According to the police, Amar Mundelia and Kunal were both allegedly in direct contact with Pandit. Investigators also suspect that Mundelia was being paid a fixed commission for helping with the use of bank accounts.

Money was also sent from a bank account to buy the Pulsar motorcycle allegedly used in the firing. According to the investigation, Mundelia sent Rs 25,000 to the bank account of Ritik Kumar at the behest of the main accused, Kunal. Ritik Kumar is described as a Rapido rider. The amount is alleged to have gone into buying the motorcycle.

After receiving the money, Ritik is said to have contacted the bike's original owner and bought it. The investigation has found that part of the payment for the deal was made in cash and the rest online.

The Crime Branch has also found evidence that Mundelia sent small amounts to the bank accounts of the shooter Rehan and some other co-accused. The exact connection of these transactions with the firing conspiracy is being investigated.

For now, the Crime Branch is further investigating Pandit's alleged role as mastermind, the web of money and the transfers made to buy the motorcycle. Scrutiny of digital transactions, the movement of money through bank accounts and the contacts among the accused is considered crucial in the case. It is hoped this will bring out more about the money link behind the planning of the attack and the relationships among the accused.