Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Monday, 19 October 2026, condemned the firing incident targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai, calling such attacks completely unacceptable and urging political parties not to use the episode for partisan gain. The incident occurred on the evening of 18 October when unidentified assailants opened fire at Shroff's vehicle in Vile Parle West, injuring his caretaker-cum-driver and at least one bystander.

What Happened on 18 October

According to the police complaint, at approximately 7 pm on 18 October, Shroff and his caretaker, Firdos Ibrahim Baloch, departed M.M. Matrix Gym in Santacruz West and drove to the grounds of Jamnabai Narsee International School in Vile Parle West for a football session. On their return, two unidentified assailants opened fire at the vehicle using pistols. Baloch, who has served as Shroff's caretaker for 28 years and is 47 years old, sustained injuries. A separate individual present in the vicinity was also struck by a bullet, police said. Tiger Shroff himself escaped unharmed.

Mumbai's Juhu Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against three unidentified persons under Sections 109(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Arms Act. Investigators are working to identify the assailants and establish the roles of others suspected of involvement.

Athawale Points to Lawrence Bishnoi Gang

Athawale, speaking to reporters, attributed the attack to associates of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, linking it to Shroff's professional association with actor Salman Khan. 'The Bishnoi gang is constantly carrying out such attacks. Although Bishnoi is inside, his associates attacked him because he works in Salman Khan's films. I feel this is not right. Salman Khan is a big actor and has given work to many people. Carrying out such attacks in this manner is completely wrong,' he said.

Athawale added that Maharashtra Chief Minister had issued instructions to apprehend the perpetrators, expressing confidence that arrests were imminent. 'The commitment of our government is to ensure that those who carried out this attack are caught. There is no need to politicise this issue,' he said.

Political Reactions Across Party Lines

Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav called the incident 'extremely unfortunate and certainly a matter of concern,' demanding strict action against those responsible and measures to prevent recurrence.

BJP leader Ram Kadam said the attack was 'highly condemnable,' adding that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis immediately spoke to the Mumbai Police Commissioner and that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde personally met Tiger Shroff on behalf of the government. 'Whatever criminal elements are involved will be behind bars,' Kadam said.

Congress leader Riyaz also condemned the attack, arguing that the present Maharashtra government must take responsibility. 'Bollywood is a symbol of great events, achievements and powerful messages. But now, Bollywood is under threat... Every actor and actress should receive protection and security and be able to carry out their professional activities without fear,' he said.

The Bishnoi Gang's Shadow Over Mumbai

This incident comes amid a sustained pattern of alleged threats and attacks attributed to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang against individuals connected to Salman Khan. The gang has previously been linked to a firing outside Khan's Galaxy Apartment residence in Bandra and a series of extortion-related threats targeting film industry figures. Notably, this is one of several such incidents in Mumbai this year that investigators have connected to organised criminal networks operating even as their leaders remain in custody.

Investigation and What Comes Next

Juhu Police are continuing their probe, reviewing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to trace the three accused. Authorities are also investigating potential links to larger criminal networks. All-party condemnations, while politically divergent in tone, converge on a demand for swift arrests and enhanced security for film industry personnel. The pace of the investigation and any custodial developments are expected to dominate coverage in the coming days.