The Mumbai Crime Branch has officially clarified that Bollywood star Tiger Shroff was not the original target in the alarming firing incident that took place on October 18, 2026. According to investigators, the three suspects had initially set their sights on another prominent celebrity but were forced to pivot their plans. The group abandoned their original target due to the individual’s high-level security detail, ultimately choosing to target Shroff because they perceived him as a more accessible option. During the attack, the assailants fired five to six rounds at the actor’s vehicle. Fortunately, Shroff remained unhurt, though his driver, Firdous, and a bystander driving an autorickshaw sustained injuries.
Authorities acted swiftly to apprehend the suspects, identified as 22-year-old Hritik Kumar from Begusarai, Bihar, along with 18-year-old Sonipat residents Rehan alias Sukka and Phool Singh. The trio was arrested in Kota, Rajasthan, on October 19, 2026, while allegedly attempting to flee toward Nepal via Delhi. DCP Raj Tilak Roshan confirmed that the suspects were in the process of being transported to Mumbai under a transit warrant to face serious charges, including attempted murder and violations of the Arms Act.
Interrogations have provided a chilling look into the planning behind the attack. The accused reportedly conducted reconnaissance at a Juhu football ground on October 11, where they recorded a video of the actor to obtain a “green signal” from their handlers. The case is now being handled by the Anti-Extortion Cell, which is actively probing potential links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and an alleged handler known as Anil Pandit. In response to the security breach, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has vowed that the state will track down the masterminds no matter where they are hiding, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has visited the victims’ families to personally ensure their safety as the investigation continues.