The investigation into the firing at actor Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai has reached Amritsar, with security agencies searching for a man suspected of supplying the pistol and 20 rounds of ammunition allegedly used in the attack. According to reports, the weapon was sourced from an Amritsar-based individual who is suspected of having procured it from Pakistan. These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not yet been independently established.
The case has renewed concerns over alleged cross-border arms smuggling and the movement of illegal weapons from Punjab to other parts of the country.
Four accused arrested as probe traces weapon to Amritsar
According to reports, the Delhi Police Special Cell arrested four people in connection with the case: Kunal, 21, and Sumit, 19, both from Sonipat, along with Radha, 23, and Babita, 23, from Uttar Pradesh.
Investigators allege that Kunal, who had recently been released on bail, was introduced to Anil Pandit, a 32-year-old gangster originally from Panipat who is reportedly based in the United States and allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
On Pandit’s instructions, Kunal and Sumit allegedly collected a pistol and 20 rounds from Amritsar. Kunal is accused of persuading Radha to transport the weapon to Mumbai.
Radha and Babita reportedly travelled from New Delhi on October 15 and reached Mumbai on October 17. A minor boy allegedly collected the bag from Radha near their hotel. The firing took place the following evening.
The two women returned to Delhi on October 18 and were arrested on October 20. Mumbai Police secured three-day transit remand for the four accused as the investigation continued.
Three shots fired at Tiger Shroff’s car
The firing occurred near Pushpa Park in Juhu as Tiger Shroff was leaving a football ground. Three rounds were reportedly fired at his car. The actor escaped unhurt, while his driver sustained injuries.
Hours after the incident, a man identifying himself as Anil Pandit claimed responsibility in a video message and allegedly warned that people in the film industry working with actor Salman Khan could be targeted next.
Investigators are examining the alleged links between the shooters, weapon suppliers and individuals suspected of directing the attack.
Punjab’s border raises concerns over illegal weapons
Punjab Police sources have previously raised concerns about the alleged use of drones to transport weapons and other consignments across the international border. According to these sources, the state has flagged the issue with central security agencies, warning that weapons smuggled through Punjab could reach criminal networks operating elsewhere in India.
The investigation has also drawn attention to earlier cases in which weapons linked to Punjab were allegedly used in attacks involving members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Following the April 2024 firing outside Salman Khan’s residence in Mumbai’s Bandra area, Mumbai Police arrested two alleged suppliers from Sangrur.
These cases highlight the importance of tracing not only those who carry out attacks but also the supply chains that provide weapons and ammunition.
Punjab Police cites recoveries in anti-terror operations
Punjab Police has reported several arms and explosives recoveries during counter-terrorism operations in recent years.
On September 14, DGP Gaurav Yadav said the Counter Intelligence wing had busted 92 terror modules and arrested 686 alleged terrorists since March 2022. During the same period, authorities recovered 54 rifles, 599 revolvers and pistols, 131 hand grenades, 38 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and 28.887 kg of RDX.
Police also reported intercepting 952 drones out of 1,493 sightings during the period.
Focus shifts to the alleged supply chain
With the Mumbai firing investigation now pointing towards an alleged weapons link in Amritsar, investigators face the task of establishing how the pistol and ammunition were obtained, who handled their movement and whether the accused were connected to a wider smuggling network.
The investigation will need to establish the alleged cross-border connection through evidence and determine whether the weapon supplier had links to other criminal activities. The case has once again brought the movement of illegal arms from border areas into focus, with agencies examining whether the same supply channels could be used to support organised crime beyond Punjab.
