Mumbai: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday promised a firm response after gunmen fired at Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff’s car in Juhu, saying those behind the attack would be traced and dealt with in the “language they understand.”
Shinde, who spoke to Shroff and his father, veteran actor Jackie Shroff, said the state would extend every possible support to the actor. He also indicated that the government would examine the security provided to public figures following the incident, as reported by The Statesman.
“Whether it is a celebrity or an ordinary citizen, ensuring their safety is the responsibility of the police and the government, and there will be no negligence in this regard,” Shinde said.
Gunmen Target Actor’s Car
Shroff escaped a direct hit when unidentified assailants opened fire at his BMW near Pushpa Park in Juhu on Sunday evening. The actor was reportedly returning from a private event when the attackers, riding a motorcycle, fired multiple rounds at the vehicle before fleeing.
Shroff sustained gunpowder burns on his right hand but was not struck by a bullet. His driver, identified as Firdaus, and an autorickshaw driver present nearby were injured in the incident.
Mumbai Police have begun a probe and detained one person from Santacruz for questioning. According to Hindustan Times, 15 police teams have been formed to identify and arrest the attackers.
A purported claim of responsibility later surfaced online in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. A man identified as Anil Pandit allegedly said that he and Harman Sandhu carried out the firing. The police have not confirmed the claim or established any gang connection.
Film Body Raises Alarm
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) condemned the attack and demanded immediate action from Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, according to India Today. It said recurring violence targeting Bollywood figures had created fear across the industry.
In a statement on X, the association said a person had been hit by a bullet and that Shroff had narrowly escaped an attack that could have proved fatal. It cited earlier incidents, including the firing outside Salman Khan’s Bandra home, the stabbing of Saif Ali Khan, the shooting outside Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence and repeated attacks on Kapil Sharma’s cafe.
“This is not an isolated incident,” the AICWA said, alleging a deliberate attempt to intimidate film personalities and extort money from them.
“Today it is Tiger Shroff. Who is next? When a celebrity is not safe in the heart of Mumbai, how can an ordinary Mumbaikar feel safe?” the association added.
The AICWA criticised the authorities for failing to prevent such attacks, saying assurances alone would not address the threat. “Mumbai’s streets are once again being stained with blood, and the situation is reminiscent of the underworld era of the 1990s,” it said, adding that Bollywood was being left to fend for itself.