Mumbai (Rajeev Sharma): The investigation into the shooting targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai has brought an alleged arms supply link in Punjab under the scanner, with investigators attempting to trace the pistol and ammunition reportedly delivered from Amritsar.
According to sources, the firearm and 20 rounds used in the attack were allegedly collected from a man based in Amritsar. Investigators are probing suspicions that the weapons may have originated in Pakistan before entering the supply chain, although the alleged cross-border link remains subject to investigation.
The case has also drawn attention to concerns raised by Punjab Police over the smuggling of firearms into the border state, with drones suspected of being used to transport weapons across the international boundary. Security officials have warned that such arms could subsequently be supplied to criminal groups operating far beyond Punjab.
Four suspects held as alleged weapon movement is traced
The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested four people in connection with the case. They have been identified as Kunal, 21, and Sumit, 19, from Sonipat, and Radha and Babita, both 23, from Uttar Pradesh.
Police sources allege that Kunal, who had recently secured bail, was introduced to Anil Pandit, a 32-year-old man originally from Panipat who is reportedly living in the United States and suspected of links with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Investigators suspect that Pandit instructed Kunal and Sumit to collect the pistol and ammunition from Amritsar. Kunal allegedly arranged for Radha to carry the consignment to Mumbai.
According to the investigation, Radha and Babita travelled from New Delhi on October 15 and reached Mumbai on October 17. A minor boy allegedly collected the bag containing the weapon from Radha near the hotel where the women were staying.
The shooting occurred the following evening. The two women subsequently returned to Delhi on October 18 and were taken into custody on October 20. Mumbai Police have obtained three-day transit remand for the four arrested individuals.
Investigators are working to determine the precise role of each suspect and identify the people involved in arranging and transporting the firearm.
Actor escapes unhurt in Juhu firing
Three shots were reportedly fired at Shroff’s car near Pushpa Park in Juhu as he was leaving a football ground on Sunday. The actor was not injured, although his driver sustained injuries.
Later, a man identifying himself as Anil Pandit circulated a video claiming responsibility for the attack. The video also contained a warning that members of the film industry working with Salman Khan could be targeted.
Police are examining the alleged claim of responsibility as part of the wider investigation into the shooting and the suspected criminal network behind it.
Previous cases point to alleged Punjab arms links
The emergence of Amritsar in the investigation has revived scrutiny of Punjab’s alleged role as a source or transit point for firearms used in attacks elsewhere in the country.
In the April 2024 firing outside Salman Khan’s residence in Mumbai’s Bandra area, police arrested two alleged weapon suppliers from Sangrur, according to reports.
Punjab Police have separately reported repeated recoveries of firearms and explosives during operations against suspected terror networks and organised criminal groups.
On September 14, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the Counter Intelligence wing had busted 92 terror modules and arrested 686 alleged terrorists since March 2022. The reported recoveries included 54 rifles, 599 revolvers and pistols, 131 hand grenades, 38 improvised explosive devices and 28.887 kg of RDX.
During the same period, authorities said they had intercepted 952 drones out of 1,493 sightings.
The latest case has placed renewed focus on how illegal weapons may move from border areas to major cities and reach individuals accused of carrying out targeted attacks.
Investigators are continuing to examine the alleged Amritsar connection, the firearm’s origin and the possible involvement of additional people. The suspected links outlined by police have yet to be established through the ongoing investigation.
