Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff was playing football with television actors Abhishek Bajaj and Karan Veer Mehra just hours before three unidentified gunmen allegedly opened fire at his car in Mumbai’s Juhu area. The incident left Tiger’s driver and an autorickshaw driver injured. Following the shooting, Abhishek and Karan Veer spoke about their experience and expressed relief that Tiger was safe.
Abhishek, who was present at the football ground before the incident, confirmed that he had played with Tiger shortly before the attack. Speaking to News18, he said, “Yes, we were playing together before the incident happened. We are fine. He’s safe now. No need to worry at all.”
Karan Veer, who was also at the location, recalled the frightening moments after the group left the football ground. He said his car was travelling directly behind Tiger’s vehicle when the shooting took place. By the time Karan Veer reached the spot, he noticed bloodstains and learnt that Tiger’s driver had been shot.
Recalling the incident, Karan Veer said, “My car was right behind, you know, by the time we left the gate, by the time my car reached, I just saw blood spots, and I got to know that Tiger’s driver had been shot. So, I’m just happy that, you know, he’s safe, but my heart goes out to the driver, and I hope he recovers well… There were kids right there, celebrating a birthday party; everybody ran helter-skelter.”
Karan Veer also described the confusion that followed the gunfire. According to him, people nearby were taking photographs, while a birthday celebration with fireworks was also taking place. When they heard loud sounds and people shouting that shots had been fired, some initially thought the noise was coming from the fireworks. They later realised the seriousness of the situation after learning that Tiger’s driver had been injured.
What happened during the shooting?
According to reports, Tiger was leaving the Pushpak Park area in Juhu after playing football with friends on Sunday when three men on a motorcycle allegedly fired at least five rounds at his car. Tiger’s driver and an autorickshaw driver sustained injuries in the incident.
After his driver was shot, Tiger reportedly took control of the vehicle. Sources at Nanavati Hospital said the driver had suffered a gunshot wound to his left hand and might require surgery. Tiger sustained minor abrasions, was examined at the hospital and was later discharged.
Police investigation underway
Following the shooting, a forensic team examined the scene, inspected the vehicle and collected ballistic evidence to help establish the number of rounds fired. Police also reviewed CCTV footage from the surrounding areas as they worked to identify those involved. A person was later detained in Santacruz in connection with the case.
Two alleged operatives of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Anil Pandit and Harman Sandhu, subsequently claimed responsibility for the shooting in social media posts. However, the authenticity of these claims had not been independently established, and the police investigation was ongoing.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the attack and said that threats of this nature would not be tolerated in Mumbai. Police formed 15 teams to investigate the incident and identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, Abhishek Bajaj and Karan Veer Mehra’s accounts offered a glimpse into the tense moments surrounding the incident. Both expressed relief that Tiger was safe, while Karan Veer also voiced concern for the injured driver and others who were present nearby when the shooting occurred.
