Kota suspect had contact with alleged Bishnoi gang aide, police say

One of the three suspects held in Kota had been in contact with Anil Pandit, an alleged aide to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, police said. The contact came to light during early questioning, but does not prove who ordered the shooting or what role Pandit may have played. Mumbai Police have reached Kota to take the suspects for more questioning. ^6,12

The suspects were stopped Monday aboard the Pune-Jaipur Express at Kota railway station, after Mumbai Police shared information with Rajasthan officers. Police say the men planned to travel to Delhi and then flee to Nepal. The group includes two adults and a minor; reports differ on some names and ages. Officers say they have not found the weapon. ^6,11

The weapon has not been found, and investigators still have to establish what each suspect did. Police allege that the attackers fired at actor Tiger Shroff’s car on Sunday evening as he left a Juhu football club. Shroff escaped without gunshot injuries, while his driver and another person were hurt. A social media post claiming responsibility for the attack has been linked to gang associates, but police have not confirmed it. ^3,6,8

That unconfirmed claim has added to concern about threats against people in Mumbai’s film industry, but the case is also about safety in the busy Juhu neighbourhood. Singer Mika Singh called for stronger action, saying residents should be able to move around the city without fear. The next step is for Mumbai Police to question the suspects and investigate the alleged contact, the shooting and the missing weapon. ^2,6