In a fresh update in the Tiger Shroff firing case, the actor was reportedly the second choice and an easy target for the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, as Bollywood star Salman Khan was the outfit's original target.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, citing Mumbai Police sources, the two shooters who targeted Shroff at Juhu on Sunday had carried out reconnaissance at Salman's Bandra West home. However, the attackers changed their plans to look for a relatively 'easy target' and finalised Tiger's name as he does not have police security cover.
The Bishnoi gang learnt about Tiger's routine of playing football at Pushpa Narsee Ground every Sunday evening through social media posts of his fans. He used to play without any security arrangements, which made him an easy target.
After Salman's recce, the shooters informed Anil Pandit, the close aide of Lawrence Bishnoi, that targeting him was impossible and that Tiger could be locked as a target instead.
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Anil Pandit subsequently ordered the hit. The report added that the shooters watched Tiger for some time and opened fire as his call left the ground's gate.
"We have learnt that the accused had carried out reconnaissance at Salman Khan’s home, but the purpose is not yet clear. We will check their phones as they take photos to send to their handlers," a police officer was quoted by HT as saying.
The police have so far arrested eight individuals, including three shooters, Hrithik, Phool Singh and Rehan Ansari.
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Among those arrested are Kunal, Sumit, Radha and Babita, who are accused of supplying weapons to the three shooters. A man named Sameer was also arrested in Haryana's Sonipat for allegedly facilitating the talks between Anil Pandit, sitting in California, the US, and the three shooters.
Notably, Salman has been on the target list of the Bishnoi gang for a long time. Salman's alleged blackbuck killing controversy is behind placing him at the top of the gang's hitlist.
Salman has been under constant threat from the group. The group had in 2022 shot former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique in Bandra East. Baba was one of the closest people to Salman.