NEW DELHI: A clandestine weapons handoff in Amritsar, encrypted conversations, and payments allegedly reaching Rs 80,000 have emerged as key elements of the investigation into the firing at actor Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai.
Crime Branch investigators suspect that an alleged arms supply network operated through intermediaries who collected firearms without meeting the original supplier. Two women were subsequently recruited to carry the weapons to Mumbai, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
The latest findings have turned attention to how the firearms were procured, who coordinated their movement and whether the people responsible for supplying them knew the intended target.
How the weapons were allegedly collected in Amritsar
Two suspects, identified as Kunal and Sumit, travelled to Amritsar about a fortnight before the October 18 shooting to collect firearms from a predetermined location, sources said.
The arrangement allegedly followed a method known as a “dead letter box”, under which an item is deposited at an agreed location and retrieved later without direct contact between the parties.
Investigators believe the two men received instructions from Anil Pandit, who allegedly communicated with Kunal through an encrypted messaging application.
Neither suspect reportedly knew who had left the weapons at the collection point, a detail that could complicate efforts to identify the original supplier.
Police sources said Kunal had been released from Sonipat jail in July. An acquaintance allegedly introduced him to Pandit after his release, establishing the contact that investigators believe led to the weapons assignment.
The broader sequence of the arms movement has also been reported by other outlets, including the collection of a pistol and 20 rounds of ammunition from Amritsar.
Rs 70,000–80,000 payment under scrutiny
Investigators are examining an alleged payment of Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000 from Pandit to the suspects for arranging the firearms collection and delivery.
Of that amount, approximately Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 was reportedly given to two women, identified as Radha and Babita, for transporting the weapons to Mumbai.
Sources said Kunal had met Radha around two months before the shooting and subsequently developed a relationship with her. Radha and Babita reportedly worked at a factory in Sonipat.
Investigators suspect Kunal persuaded Radha to undertake the journey, accompanied by Babita, as part of the weapons delivery arrangement.
The two women allegedly travelled by train from Delhi to Mumbai with a pistol and ammunition concealed in a bag. Reports citing police officials say the consignment was subsequently handed over to another intermediary in Mumbai.
Attackers allegedly shifted focus to Tiger Shroff
The Mumbai Crime Branch is also examining claims that Shroff was not the gunmen’s original target.
According to investigators, the suspects initially considered attacking another prominent Bollywood personality but abandoned that plan because of the individual’s security arrangements.
They allegedly switched their attention to Shroff, whom they believed would be easier to approach.
Police have not officially disclosed the identity of the originally intended target.
The shooting took place near a football venue in Juhu on October 18, when armed assailants opened fire at Shroff’s vehicle. The actor escaped unhurt, while his driver and another person sustained injuries, according to reports.
Seven held as investigators pursue arms trail
The investigation has led to arrests in multiple states.
Delhi Police’s Special Cell arrested Kunal, Sumit, Radha and Babita on October 20 in connection with the alleged weapons supply operation. The four were subsequently granted three days’ transit custody for transfer to Mumbai.
Separately, three suspects apprehended in Kota, Rajasthan, were brought to Mumbai on Wednesday for further questioning.
After a medical examination, they were taken to the Anti-Extortion Cell office, according to their lawyer, Ajinkya Mirgal Madhukar.
He told ANI that the investigation was underway and the accused were expected to appear before a court the following morning.
Meanwhile, Shroff’s management team has warned against fabricated statements, artificial intelligence-generated videos and other unauthorised material attributed to the actor.
The team has clarified that Shroff has issued no statement or video concerning the incident and has urged the public and media organisations to rely on verified information.
Investigators are now seeking to identify the original weapons supplier, establish the full money trail and determine the roles of those suspected of coordinating the attack. - The Statesman/ANN
