‘Only Salman Is the Real Tiger’: The Comment That Sparked an Attack on Tiger Shroff

‘Salman Is the Only Tiger in Bollywood’: Why the Bishnoi Gang Allegedly Targeted Tiger Shroff

Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff was allegedly targeted by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang because of a remark he made praising Salman Khan, according to one of the accused questioned in connection with the shooting incident. Investigators are now examining whether the comment made during a film promotion event in 2022 contributed to the alleged plan against the actor.

The attack took place on October 18, when two armed men allegedly fired seven rounds at Tiger Shroff’s BMW as he was leaving a playground in Mumbai’s Juhu area after playing football. The shooters reportedly escaped on a motorcycle with the assistance of another accomplice. The actor’s driver and a bystander were injured in the incident.

A member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang later claimed responsibility for the attack. The accused were subsequently arrested aboard the Pune-Jaipur Superfast Express at Kota railway station in Rajasthan.

Salman Khan’s Praise Allegedly Became a Reason for Targeting Tiger
During questioning, one of the accused reportedly told investigators that Tiger Shroff’s comments about Salman Khan may have angered the gang. According to the alleged confession, Shroff had described Salman as the only “tiger” in the film industry during a promotional event in 2022.

Investigators are probing whether the statement influenced the decision to target Shroff. The reported disclosure has also brought renewed attention to the connection between the two actors and the Bishnoi gang’s history of threats against Salman Khan and people associated with him.

The gang’s hostility towards Salman Khan is linked to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, which involved allegations that the actor hunted a blackbuck while filming Hum Saath-Saath Hain in Rajasthan. The blackbuck holds religious significance for the Bishnoi community. Lawrence Bishnoi has previously demanded an apology from the actor and issued threats against him.

Police Suspect Accused Received Investigation Updates Online
Investigators are also looking into whether the accused obtained information about the police investigation through social media and internet-based calls.

Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects may have been following updates about the case online. CCTV footage reportedly showed one of the accused, identified as Rehan, repeatedly using his mobile phone.

Police suspect that information about the investigation was passed to the accused through internet calls and messages. According to sources, the suspects were allegedly informed that the motorcycle used in their escape had been located in Mumbai’s Andheri area. They were also reportedly alerted to developments concerning their journey by train.

The accused allegedly changed their mode of transport several times to avoid arrest, using motorcycles, local trains and taxis. Despite these efforts, Mumbai Police shared information with Kota Police, leading to the suspects’ apprehension aboard a train travelling towards Jaipur.

Investigators are now attempting to establish who may have supplied the accused with details about the police operation.

A Single Phone Call Helped Crack the Escape Route
According to sources, the accused switched off their mobile phones and internet connections after the shooting to avoid being tracked. During the alleged conspiracy, the shooters and their handlers reportedly communicated through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls.

However, investigators identified one regular telephone call made by a suspect, which became a crucial lead.

After the firing, the accused allegedly travelled by local train from Andheri to Borivali before hiring a private cab to reach Surat. Police traced a call connected to the cab driver, helping them establish the suspects’ movements.

A team from Mumbai Police’s Anti-Extortion Cell travelled to Surat, where the cab driver reportedly told investigators that he had dropped the accused at the railway station.

Police then examined CCTV footage and reservation charts to determine which train the suspects had boarded. Following their movements towards Jaipur, investigators coordinated with Rajasthan Police and eventually detained the three main shooters at Kota railway station.

Police believe that the suspects’ escape route would have been much harder to trace without the regular phone call.

Two women have also reportedly been arrested in connection with the alleged supply of weapons used in the attack.

Tiger Shroff Still Disturbed, Statement Yet to Be Recorded
Tiger Shroff was reportedly deeply shaken after his car came under fire on October 18. According to Mumbai Police sources, the actor told investigators that he was shocked by the incident and had no known dispute with anyone.

He reportedly said he did not know who the attackers were, why they had opened fire or who was behind the alleged conspiracy.

A Crime Branch official said the actor’s statement had not yet been recorded because he remained disturbed by the incident. Police are expected to record his statement as the investigation proceeds.

Investigators continue to probe the alleged motive behind the attack, the suspected role of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and the network that may have helped the accused evade law enforcement.