MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff escaped being hit by gunfire after unidentified assailants opened fire at his car in Mumbai’s Juhu area on Sunday evening, injuring his driver and a bystander. Five rounds were fired near Pushpa Narsee Park at around 7pm as Shroff was leaving after playing football, according to The Indian Express.
The actor was driving his vehicle when the attackers approached on a motorcycle and opened fire. His driver, Firdosh, sustained a bullet injury to his left hand, while another man, identified as Umesh Chavan, was struck in the chest. Both were taken to hospitals for treatment and were reported to be out of danger. Shroff reportedly drove his injured driver to Nanavati Hospital. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde later visited the actor’s residence and said gunpowder and shattered glass had injured Shroff’s hand.
Mumbai Police have formed 15 teams to identify and trace the attackers. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to establish how the suspects approached the actor and escaped. According to police reports cited by The Indian Express, the assailants left their motorcycle near Andheri West railway station after fleeing the scene. No one had been detained as of the latest report.
The investigation has also focused on a claim of responsibility attributed to Anil Pandit, who reportedly said he and Harman Sandhu were behind the shooting. The alleged message also contained threats against actor Salman Khan and others in the film industry. However, police have not verified the authenticity of the claim or established a link between the shooting and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Shinde condemned the attack and said authorities would take strict action against those responsible. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also directed officials to pursue the investigation. Police have yet to establish the motive for the shooting, and the identities of the attackers remain unconfirmed.
