Mumbai: Mumbai Police have arrested 22-year-old engineering diploma holder Pranjal Thakral from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in connection with the firing incident targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff. Thakral is the 11th person detained in the case and is suspected of executing the attack at the direction of alleged mastermind Anil Pandit, a suspected member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
According to investigators, Thakral allegedly coordinated logistics and funds for the shooters and supplied a second pistol to one of the men involved in the shooting. Police suspect that Pandit, who is believed to be operating from the United States, planned the attack and directed its execution.
Secret Messaging App Used to Coordinate Attack
Investigators believe Pandit and Thakral communicated through a secret messaging application to avoid police surveillance. Chats recovered from Thakral’s mobile phone, along with financial transaction records, are expected to help investigators establish the alleged network and trace Pandit’s international connections.
Thakral was produced before the holiday bench of the Killa Court on Sunday and remanded to police custody until October 31.
Who Is Pranjal Thakral?
Thakral, 22, holds an engineering diploma and was released on bail in March. He had allegedly been jailed for carrying out an attack on a businessman in Panipat on Pandit’s instructions.
Police suspect that Thakral re-established contact with Pandit soon after his release and became involved in planning the attack on Shroff in Mumbai.
Investigators are now examining his alleged role in arranging the shooters, weapons and financial resources. His arrest is considered an important lead in the effort to trace Pandit, who is believed to be outside India.
How the Firing Incident Unfolded
The shooting took place on the evening of October 18, when at least two men allegedly opened fire at the 36-year-old actor’s car as he was leaving Pushpa Narsee Park, also known as Pushpa Narsee Ground, in Mumbai’s Juhu area after playing football.
According to Mumbai Police, the shooters fled on a motorcycle, which they later abandoned in Andheri. They subsequently travelled to Surat and boarded the Pune–Jaipur Express.
The three alleged shooters were arrested in Rajasthan’s Kota while reportedly attempting to escape to Nepal via Delhi.
Anil Pandit Claims Responsibility
Anil Pandit, suspected of being associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack. Police sources have said the gang initially considered targeting another high-profile personality but changed its plans because of heavy security.
Investigators are continuing to examine the motive behind the shooting, the alleged involvement of other gang members and the network through which the weapons and funds were arranged.
