An accused in the firing case involving actor Tiger Shroff has told investigators that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang may have targeted him because he praised Salman Khan during a film promotion event in 2022, according to police sources.

Shroff had reportedly called Salman the film industry's “only tiger”. Investigators are examining whether the remark contributed to the gang's decision, given its longstanding hostility towards Salman over the 1999 blackbuck poaching case.

On October 18, two shooters allegedly fired seven rounds at Shroff's BMW as he left a Juhu playground after playing football. His driver and a bystander were injured. The attackers fled on a motorcycle with an accomplice, and a gang member later claimed responsibility. Three main accused were arrested aboard the Pune-Jaipur Superfast Express at Kota railway station the next day.

One phone call helped police trace shooters

Police suspect the accused monitored investigation updates on social media and received information through internet calls. CCTV footage reportedly showed one accused, Rehan, frequently using his phone. Investigators are trying to identify who may have alerted the suspects that their motorcycle had been traced to Andheri.

After the shooting, the accused allegedly travelled by local train from Andheri to Borivali and hired a cab to reach Surat. A regular phone call to the cab driver helped police trace their movements. The driver confirmed dropping them at Surat railway station, where CCTV footage and reservation records helped investigators establish that they had boarded a Jaipur-bound train.

Mumbai Police tracked their route and detained the three main shooters in Kota. Two women have also been arrested for their alleged role in supplying weapons. The Crime Branch recovered two firearms and 10 live cartridges from Surat.

Tiger Shroff yet to record statement

Shroff has not yet given his statement to the Crime Branch as he remains disturbed by the incident, police sources said. He reportedly told investigators that he had no enmity with anyone and did not know who the attackers were or why he had been targeted.

Police are expected to record his statement soon as the investigation continues into the alleged conspiracy, the shooters' handlers and the possible leak of investigation details.