A man claiming to represent the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has threatened people in the Mumbai film industry who work with Bollywood star Salman Khan, following a shooting incident targeting actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai’s Juhu area.
An audio message circulated after the incident features a speaker identifying himself as Anil Pandit, who claims that Shroff was targeted for ignoring the gang’s warnings and continuing to work with Khan. However, police have not independently confirmed the recording’s authenticity or established the gang’s involvement.
In the recording, the speaker threatens those in the film industry who refuse to follow the group’s instructions or work with Khan, describing the message as a final warning. He also uses derogatory language to refer to Khan and invokes fugitive underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim.
The speaker further claims that the actor had previously been contacted and warned but had failed to comply.
Shooting in Mumbai’s Juhu
The shooting took place on Sunday evening, October 18, when three men travelling on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire at a car carrying Shroff as he was leaving a football-related outing in Juhu.
Shroff escaped without serious injury, but his driver sustained a gunshot wound to the hand. Another person nearby was also reported injured. Police launched an investigation into the attack and began examining evidence from the scene.
The attackers reportedly fled on a motorcycle after firing at the vehicle. Investigators are working to identify those responsible and establish the motive behind the shooting.
The incident prompted concern over the safety of figures in the Hindi film industry, particularly those who have faced threats linked to the Bishnoi gang.
Long-running threats against Salman Khan
Lawrence Bishnoi, who is imprisoned in Gujarat, has repeatedly been linked to threats against Salman Khan. The hostility has been associated with the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, which angered members of the Bishnoi community, who regard the animal as sacred.
India’s National Investigation Agency previously identified Khan as a target in connection with the gang’s activities. The group has reportedly demanded that the actor apologise over the hunting case.
The latest audio message extends the threat beyond Khan himself, warning others in the film industry who maintain professional ties with him.
Investigation underway
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has contacted Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti regarding the shooting and called for action against those responsible, according to local reports.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the attack, the identity of the shooters and the claims made in the audio message. Until those claims are verified, the alleged gang connection and the motive described by the speaker remain unconfirmed.
