The investigation has expanded to examine the alleged conspiracy, the procurement of firearms, the movement of the accused across several states and the possible involvement of individuals who provided logistical and operational support.
Aamir Khan Was Allegedly the Initial Target
The alleged shooters reportedly spent nearly a month in Mumbai monitoring Aamir Khan's movements. According to the outlet, the suspects visited the vicinity of his residence at least three times. However, Khan's frequent travel for film shoots and extended periods spent at home allegedly made it difficult for them to approach him.
The suspects subsequently shifted their attention to Tiger Shroff, who reportedly played football at a park in Juhu on most Sundays. The firing incident occurred at the same location on October 18. Police sources reportedly linked the alleged plan involving Khan to threats he received in July, which were attributed to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Shooters Allegedly Received Updates Through Encrypted Apps
Investigators suspect that the three alleged shooters received real-time information about the police operation through handlers using encrypted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) messaging applications. According to police reports cited by PTI, news reports about the attack and the subsequent investigation helped the suspects adjust their escape plans.
When television channels broadcast footage showing the suspected attackers, one of them allegedly received an urgent warning. Police sources told the outlet that the message read, "Tumhare chehre aa gaye hain, nikal jao waha se" (Your faces are out, get out of there).
The three accused, Phool Singh (18), Rehan Rahisuddin Ansari (18) and Rithik Mahto (22), were arrested by Kota Police in Rajasthan on October 19 while travelling by train. Investigators reportedly found that Rehan maintained regular contact through internet-based services such as Signal or Zangi.
Suspects Allegedly Changed Transport During Escape
The alleged handlers reportedly informed the suspects about the recovery of the motorcycle used in the attack in Andheri. They also passed on information about developments surrounding the suspects' train journey, according to police reports cited by PTI.
The three men allegedly switched between different modes of transport while attempting to evade arrest. They travelled by motorcycle and train, took a cab and planned to board a bus from Surat. However, a delay at the bus terminal reportedly forced them to take another train.
Kota Police eventually apprehended the suspects after receiving an alert from Mumbai Police. Investigators are examining how the alleged handlers obtained information about the police operation and communicated updates to the accused during their escape.
Firearms Recovered as Investigation Expands
The shooting occurred in Mumbai's Juhu neighbourhood on October 18. Police said at least two men fired multiple rounds at Tiger Shroff's car before escaping on a motorcycle. Five to six rounds were reportedly fired. Shroff escaped relatively unharmed, while his driver and a bystander sustained injuries.
The motorcycle allegedly used in the incident was later recovered in Andheri. Investigators subsequently recovered two firearms and 10 live cartridges in Surat, officials told the outlet.
The weapons were sent for forensic examination and ballistic testing to determine whether they matched the empty cartridges recovered at the scene. The examination is part of the ongoing investigation into the weapons allegedly used in the attack and how they were procured.
Eleven People Held as Police Probe Alleged Conspiracy
The Mumbai Crime Branch and local police also apprehended 22-year-old Pranjal Thakra in Indore. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotia said that Thakran, originally from Sonipat in Haryana, had travelled to Indore five days earlier for his paralysed brother's treatment.
Police suspect that he provided financial, logistical or operational assistance to the alleged shooters and other conspirators. His apprehension brought the total number of people held in the case to 11, with arrests reported across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana.
Mumbai Police have reportedly named gangster Anil Pandit as a wanted accused. According to the report, Pandit, an alleged associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang believed to be operating from the United States, claimed responsibility for the firing in a social media post.
A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. The Crime Branch is continuing its investigation into the alleged conspiracy, the procurement of firearms and the identities of those suspected of providing weapons and logistical support. Further updates are expected as investigators examine the evidence and the alleged roles of those connected to the attack.
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