
A suspected firearm malfunction has emerged as a key finding in the investigation into the attack on Tiger Shroff’s BMW in Mumbai. Police recovered two live cartridges and five spent shells, while three suspects have been arrested in Rajasthan’s Kota.
Mumbai, October 19: A technical failure in one of the attackers’ firearms may have prevented a far more serious outcome in the shooting targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai’s Juhu neighbourhood. Fresh details from the investigation indicate that one of the gunmen struggled to operate his weapon as his accomplice fired at the actor’s BMW on Sunday evening.
The incident, which occurred on October 18, has raised serious concerns about organised crime and the security of high-profile film personalities. Although Shroff escaped without a gunshot wound, his driver and another person were injured.
Investigators recovered seven cartridge-related pieces of evidence from the shooting location, including five spent cartridge cases and two live rounds reportedly measuring 7.62 mm.
The discovery prompted a closer examination of the firearms used in the attack. An unfired cartridge can be expelled from a semi-automatic weapon when its operating mechanism is interrupted or when someone attempts to clear a malfunction.
Police have since indicated that one of the attackers’ guns jammed during the incident.
Forensic experts are examining the ballistic evidence to determine the type of weapons involved. Investigators are also exploring whether a Zigana pistol was used, although the precise make and model of the firearms remain subject to confirmation.
Video footage circulating after the shooting has provided investigators with another significant lead.
The visuals appear to show two armed individuals approaching Shroff’s vehicle. While one repeatedly fires at the car, the other seems unable to discharge his weapon despite making several attempts.
The second attacker is seen adjusting his grip and attempting to operate the gun. His apparent difficulty is consistent with the malfunction subsequently described by police.
The footage also shows a third individual waiting on a motorcycle, apparently ready to help the attackers escape.
Investigators are examining the footage alongside forensic findings to reconstruct the precise sequence of events.
The shooting unfolded at approximately 7 pm on Sunday near Pushpa Park in Juhu, where Tiger Shroff had been attending a gathering associated with a football event.
As the actor was leaving in his BMW, three individuals allegedly approached on a motorcycle. Two moved towards the vehicle and opened fire, while the third remained nearby.
The sudden gunfire created panic in the area, which was crowded with people, including fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the actor.
Shroff’s driver, identified as Firdous, sustained a gunshot injury. Another person, reported to be an autorickshaw driver, was also injured during the shooting.
Shroff avoided being struck by bullets but reportedly suffered minor injuries caused by gunpowder residue and broken glass. He subsequently received medical attention.
A coordinated investigation involving Mumbai Police and Rajasthan Police resulted in the arrest of three suspects in Kota on Monday.
Authorities traced their movements after they allegedly abandoned the motorcycle used in the attack near Andheri and left Mumbai.
Investigators believe the suspects travelled through Gujarat before boarding a train towards Rajasthan. They were intercepted aboard the Pune-Jaipur Superfast Express at Kota.
Police have identified the three accused as Phool Singh, Hrithik Mahto and Rehab Rahisuddin. Mumbai Police clarified that all three are adults.
According to investigative sources, the suspects were allegedly offered money to carry out the shooting, with reports indicating an advance payment of ₹50,000.
Police are also examining information suggesting that the accused intended to travel onwards through Delhi and eventually escape to Nepal.
The investigation is now focused on recovering the firearms, identifying the individuals who supplied them and establishing who ordered the attack.
The shooting has renewed attention on the Lawrence Bishnoi criminal network, which has previously been linked to threats against prominent Bollywood personalities.
Shortly after the incident, social media messages purportedly issued by individuals associated with the gang claimed responsibility for the attack.
Names including Anil Pandit and Harman Sandhu have surfaced in connection with the alleged claim.
The messages also reportedly contained warnings directed at people associated with actor Salman Khan, whose history of threats from the Bishnoi network has attracted national attention.
However, investigators have yet to conclusively establish the gang’s involvement in the shooting. The authenticity of the claims and the relationship between the detained suspects and any alleged overseas handlers remain under examination.
The incident has drawn reactions from senior Maharashtra government officials.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the shooting and praised the police response, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Tiger Shroff following the attack.
Shinde also addressed concerns surrounding the actor’s injuries and emphasised that criminal gangs would not be allowed to intimidate residents or public figures in Mumbai.
A case involving attempted murder and offences under the Arms Act has been registered, with the Mumbai Crime Branch leading the investigation.
The suspected firearm malfunction has become an important part of the investigation, particularly because the attackers were operating close to the vehicle.
The five spent cartridge cases and two live rounds could help forensic specialists establish how many shots were successfully discharged, whether a cartridge failed to feed or fire, and how the weapons behaved during the assault.
While police have reported that a firearm jammed, the extent to which that malfunction affected the outcome will depend on the final reconstruction of events.
With three suspects in custody and multiple leads under examination, investigators are now working to establish the full conspiracy behind the attack, including its planning, financing and possible connections to organised crime.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *