Mumbai Police have uncovered a significant twist in the October 18 shooting incident involving actor Tiger Shroff, revealing that Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan was the alleged primary target before plans were altered by the attackers.
Investigators found that the alleged shooters spent nearly a month in Mumbai, meticulously monitoring Aamir Khan's movements. They visited the vicinity of his residence at least three times. However, Khan's frequent travel for film shoots and extended periods spent at home made it difficult for the suspects to approach him directly.
From Aamir Khan to Tiger Shroff: The Shift in Target
Police reports indicate that the attackers subsequently shifted their attention to Tiger Shroff. Shroff was frequently observed playing football at a Juhu park on most Sundays, providing a more accessible target. The gunfire ultimately took place at this exact location on October 18.
During the attack, at least two men fired multiple rounds at Tiger Shroff's car before fleeing on a motorcycle. Five to six rounds were reportedly discharged. While Shroff escaped relatively unharmed, his driver and a bystander sustained injuries.
Investigation Links to Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
Police sources have linked the initial plan involving Khan to threats he received in July, which were attributed to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. This connection suggests a deeper, more organized plot behind the incident.
The motorcycle used in the attack was later recovered in Andheri, and investigators subsequently found two firearms and 10 live cartridges in Surat. As the investigation widened, authorities began probing the role of alleged handlers who reportedly supplied real-time information through encrypted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) messaging applications, such as Signal and Zangi, during the suspects' escape.
Suspects Apprehended in Rajasthan
News coverage of the attack and ongoing investigation played a role in the suspects' attempts to adjust their escape routes. When television channels broadcast footage showing the suspected attackers, one allegedly received an urgent warning via an encrypted message: “Tumhare chehre aa gaye hain, nikal jao waha se” (Your faces are out, get out of there).
The three accused individuals — identified as Phool Singh (18), Rehan Rahisuddin Ansari (18), and Rithik Mahto (22) — were ultimately apprehended by Kota Police in Rajasthan on October 19 while traveling by train. Investigators found that the suspects frequently switched transport modes, moving between motorcycles, trains, and cabs while attempting to evade arrest before being intercepted following an alert from Mumbai Police.