Mumbai, October 24, 2026: Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff reportedly came under the radar of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang after praising superstar Salman Khan as the film industry’s “only Tiger” during a promotional interaction in 2022, according to a recent report citing the interrogation of an accused in the firing case.
The revelation has added a new dimension to the investigation into the shooting incident involving Shroff in Mumbai’s Juhu area. Investigators are examining whether the actor’s public praise for Salman Khan contributed to the alleged motive behind the attack.
The claims are based on statements reportedly made by an accused during questioning and have not yet been independently established by investigators.
Why Was Tiger Shroff Allegedly Targeted?
According to a report published by NDTV on October 24, one of the accused allegedly told investigators that Shroff’s remarks praising Salman Khan had contributed to the gang’s decision to target him.
The reported comment dates back to 2022, when Shroff described Salman as the only “Tiger” in the film industry. The statement appears to have become significant in the investigation because of the long-running hostility between Salman Khan and individuals associated with the Bishnoi gang.
Investigators are now examining whether the alleged targeting of Shroff was intended to send a warning to Salman Khan’s professional associates and others in the Hindi film industry.
However, the precise motive and the extent to which the 2022 remark influenced the alleged conspiracy remain subjects of investigation.
How the Firing Incident Unfolded
The shooting took place on October 18, 2026, in Mumbai’s Juhu area, when Tiger Shroff was reportedly leaving a football ground after playing a match.
According to media reports, two shooters allegedly opened fire at his BMW, with seven rounds reportedly fired during the incident. Shroff escaped the attack, while his driver and a bystander were reported to have sustained injuries.
The incident triggered a police investigation, and three suspects were subsequently arrested in connection with the case. Investigators are examining their alleged links, communications and movements before and after the shooting.
A social media post attributed to individuals claiming links to the Bishnoi gang also claimed responsibility for the incident and issued threats to people in the film industry who work with Salman Khan.
The authenticity and full implications of the claims are matters for investigators to establish.
Was Salman Khan the Original Target?
Earlier reports citing police sources suggested that the shooters may initially have planned to target Salman Khan before switching their attention to Tiger Shroff.
According to these reports, the suspects allegedly conducted reconnaissance near Khan’s residence in Mumbai but were deterred by the extensive security arrangements there. They subsequently considered Shroff a comparatively easier target because of his reported public movements and limited personal security.
Investigators are reportedly examining whether the suspects used social media posts and videos to learn about the actor’s routine.
These accounts have not established the complete sequence of events, and police are continuing to investigate the alleged planning and instructions behind the attack.
The Long-Running Salman Khan–Lawrence Bishnoi Dispute
The reported motive has brought renewed attention to the longstanding hostility between Salman Khan and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
The dispute is widely linked to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case in Rajasthan. Members of the Bishnoi community regard the blackbuck as sacred, and the issue has remained a central part of the hostility directed towards Khan by individuals associated with the gang.
Salman Khan has faced repeated threats, and security around his residence has been strengthened following previous incidents.
The latest allegations raise concerns about whether that hostility could extend to other actors perceived as close to Khan or publicly supportive of him. Nevertheless, investigators must establish the alleged connections and motives through evidence rather than relying solely on statements attributed to suspects.
Bollywood Security Concerns Grow
The shooting involving Tiger Shroff has intensified concerns about the safety of actors and other public figures in Mumbai.
Celebrities often share details of their professional activities and public appearances on social media. Investigators are examining whether publicly available information about Shroff’s movements played a role in the alleged planning of the attack.
The case also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies when investigating alleged criminal networks that use online communications, intermediaries and rapidly changing travel arrangements.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the suspects’ alleged roles, possible handlers and the circumstances surrounding the firing.
What Happens Next in the Investigation?
The central questions remain whether Shroff was targeted specifically because of his public praise for Salman Khan, whether the suspects initially intended to attack another celebrity, and who allegedly authorised the shooting.
Investigators will need to corroborate the accused’s statements with digital evidence, communications, witness accounts and other material gathered during the probe.
For now, the reported 2022 remark offers a possible explanation for the alleged motive, but it should not be treated as conclusive proof.
The case has raised a troubling question for Bollywood: could a public expression of support for one actor expose another to threats from a criminal gang? The answer will depend on what investigators establish as the probe continues.
