30 October,2026 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya Iyer
Tiger Shroff with Dy CM Eknath Shinde, after the attack. File PIC/PTI
Phool Singh and Rehan, the shooters arrested in the Tiger Shroff firing case, have told investigators that their objective was to only intimidate the actor rather than kill him, according to sources.
[popcorn number="11" desc="Number of people arrested in connection with Tiger Shroff firing case" class="Default"]
During questioning by the Crime Branch, the accused reportedly claimed that they had an opportunity to attack Shroff when he was playing football in their proximity. They allegedly told investigators that no security personnel were present around the actor at the time and that, had they intended to kill him, they could have carried out the attack then and escaped.
The car bearing the three accused, Rehan, Hritik Kurmi, and Phool Singh, arrives at the Esplanade court on October 21. Pics/Ashish Raje
The accused reportedly maintained that their instructions were limited to frightening the actor and creating an atmosphere of fear in the film industry. The Crime Branch is verifying these claims as it investigates the motive behind the attack and the alleged conspiracy involving multiple people.
The firing took place on October 18 in Juhu, when Shroff was leaving a football club. Five rounds were fired at his car. The actor escaped serious injury, but his driver and a fan, Umesh Chauhan, were wounded.
The accused in the Tiger Shroff firing case are produced before the Esplanade court on October 21
The investigation has since widened beyond the alleged shooters to include the suspected planning of the attack, the procurement and movement of firearms, and the roles of those who allegedly provided logistical support.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested 11 people in connection with the case, while Anil Pandit, identified by them as the alleged mastermind, remains absconding. Police suspect that the attack was carried out as part of a wider criminal conspiracy.
The stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) has been invoked in the case, allowing cops to pursue allegations involving organised criminal activity, subject to its statutory requirements.
On October 29, a special MCOCA court remanded all 11 accused in police custody until November 6. The Crime Branch told the court that the accused allegedly worked as a team and needed to be questioned together, including by confronting them with evidence recovered during the investigation.
Investigators have reportedly recovered voice notes and other digital material from the phones of some accused. The recordings are being examined for information about the alleged procurement, storage, and delivery of weapons.
Investigators are also examining claims of links between the attack and criminal networks that have allegedly targeted prominent figures in the Hindi film industry.
An audio clip in which a person identifying himself as Anil Pandit reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack has formed part of the wider investigation.
Police are investigating Pandit's alleged role. Any connection with other gang members or attacks remains subject to verification.
