Salman dropped, Tiger targeted? Why shooters changed their hit list in Mumbai
New Delhi: The three accused arrested in connection with the recent Mumbai firing initially planned to target Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, but abandoned the plot after finding heavy police deployment outside his residence. According to a police source, the trio conducted a recce of Khan’s apartment soon after arriving in the city, but were forced to drop the idea because of the extensive security grid in place.
After dropping the plan around Khan, the accused shifted their focus to actor Tiger Shroff. Sources revealed that the suspects tracked fan posts and Instagram updates to figure out his routine, discovering that he visited a football ground in Mumbai’s Juhu area every Sunday. Believing Shroff moved around with limited protection and would make an easier target in public, the assailants allegedly decided to carry out the attack there.
The three alleged shooters- two from Haryana and one from Bihar were tracked down and arrested by Rajasthan’s Kota Police while attempting to flee. Following their arrest, the suspects were formally handed over to the Mumbai Police for detailed questioning.
Fortified security around Salman Khan
Salman Khan’s security had already undergone a major overhaul following the 2024 firing incident outside his Galaxy Apartments residence. The actor continues to receive Y-plus security cover provided by the Mumbai Police. This includes round-the-clock armed personnel stationed directly outside his house, alongside an armed escort accompanying his convoy in dedicated vehicles whenever he steps out.
Local police units also sanitize every venue the actor is scheduled to visit, providing an added ring of protection beyond his immediate security team. Following the latest revelations, the city police have further tightened measures around his residence, putting up fresh barricades and intensifying surveillance in the neighbourhood.
Viral audio clip and threats to film industry
Investigators are also verifying a social media post and a widely circulated audio clip allegedly released by Pandit, where he claims responsibility for the attack. In the recording, the speaker claims Shroff was attacked because he ignored warnings against collaborating with superstar Salman Khan.
The speaker further demanded that Khan tender an apology to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and the Bishnoi community over the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, warning that other industry figures close to Khan could face similar attacks if he fails to do so. Police are examining the audio clip and tracking digital footprints to establish the full extent of the syndicate’s operational links.