Tiger Shroff firing case: Crime Branch probes Bandra Bandstand reconnaissance by arrested women
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating whether two women — Babita and Radha — arrested in connection with the October 18 firing at Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff's car, conducted reconnaissance of the Bandra Bandstand area in Mumbai, where several prominent film personalities, including actor Salman Khan, reside. Investigators are examining whether the visit was part of a coordinated plan targeting film personalities in the locality.
What Mobile Phone Analysis Revealed
According to a Mumbai Crime Branch official, the investigation confirmed that the two women visited the Bandra Bandstand area shortly after arriving in Mumbai. The information about their movements emerged from a forensic analysis of their mobile phones and other technical evidence recovered by investigators.
Officials noted that evidence from the phones indicated the women were aware of the purpose of their visit to Mumbai. However, investigators are yet to conclusively establish whether the Bandstand visit was linked to any specific plan targeting film personalities in the area.
Links to Absconding Accused Anil Pandit
The Crime Branch is also examining the alleged connections between the arrested women and Anil Pandit, who remains absconding in the case. According to police, both women were in contact with Pandit, and their remand was obtained to question them further about information that has surfaced during the investigation.
Of the 11 accused arrested in the case, eight were reportedly in direct contact with Pandit, who is believed to be the main accused. Investigators are working to establish individual roles within the alleged network and map how it operated.
Haryana Links and a Possible Local Contact
Police are also probing whether the accused — most of whom are suspected to be originally from Haryana — received assistance from a local contact in Mumbai. Investigators suspect that a local facilitator may have helped the alleged gang members execute their plan, and a search for this individual is currently underway.
Indore Detention and the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Angle
In a related development, the Mumbai Crime Branch, in coordination with Madhya Pradesh Police, detained a suspect in Indore for allegedly providing logistical and financial support to a network linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in connection with the firing. Indore Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotia confirmed the detention, stating it was carried out during a joint operation by the Mumbai and Indore Crime Branch teams.
The Indore detention brought the total number of accused apprehended in the case to 11, according to reports. The multi-state investigation underscores the alleged network's reach and the coordinated nature of the operation.
Investigation Status and What Comes Next
The probe remains active across multiple states, with the Crime Branch pursuing leads on Pandit's whereabouts, the identity of the suspected local Mumbai contact, and the full scope of the alleged gang's planning. The case has drawn heightened attention given its apparent connections to the Lawrence Bishnoi network, which has been linked to several high-profile incidents targeting public figures in recent months.