Salman Khan was reportedly too heavily guarded.
Aamir Khan proved difficult to reach.
Tiger Shroff, whose football routine was visible on social media, allegedly became the next target.
The shooting at Tiger’s car in Mumbai on 18 October has exposed an alleged plot involving celebrity surveillance, online threats and a network supplying weapons.
According to The Hindu and other Indian media reports citing police sources, the alleged operatives of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang initially targeted Salman, then turned their attention to Aamir before settling on Tiger.
Police are still investigating the precise sequence and motives.
The alleged shooters reportedly conducted reconnaissance around Salman’s Galaxy Apartments residence in Bandra but abandoned the plan after finding his security difficult to breach.
They subsequently surveyed the homes of Aamir, Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar. Some reports also mention Ranbir Kapoor.
Aamir allegedly became a particular focus after threats surfaced in July against his marriage to Gauri Spratt.
An audio clip and social media posts attributed to accounts using the names Arzoo Bishnoi and Tyson Bishnoi accused him of promoting ‘love jihad’ and threatened retaliation.
Police are investigating the messages and their possible connection to the shooting.
India’s Union Home Ministry told the Lok Sabha in 2020 that ‘love jihad’ had no definition under existing law.
According to reports citing police sources, the alleged operatives spent nearly a month in Mumbai, arriving on 20 September and staying in Bandra East.
They reportedly visited Aamir’s neighbourhood at least three times but struggled to find an opportunity because he was often away filming or remained indoors.
Tiger allegedly proved more accessible.
The attackers reportedly learnt through Instagram reels and social media posts that he visited Pushpa Narsee Ground in Juhu on Sundays to play football.
They allegedly shifted their focus towards the end of September, decided to target him by early October and moved closer to the ground.
Reports say they changed hotels three times, hired a cab for Rs 3,000 to survey celebrity residences in Bandra and Andheri, and stayed at R R Residency Hotel from 14 to 18 October.
On 18 October, two men allegedly opened fire at Tiger’s car as he left the football ground, then fled on a motorcycle later found abandoned in Andheri.
Tiger escaped serious injury, while his driver and a bystander were injured. Police said five to six rounds were fired.
Investigators are examining whether a country-made pistol jammed during the attack.
By 25 October, police had arrested 11 people. The latest arrest was Pranjal Thakran, a 22-year-old engineering student from Haryana, detained in Indore.
Police suspect he helped arrange weapons and logistical support.
Gang associate Anil Pandit, who claimed responsibility online, remains wanted.
Investigators recovered a Turkish-made Zigana pistol, a country-made firearm and 10 live cartridges near Surat railway station on 23 October. Forensic tests will determine whether the weapons match cartridges from the crime scene.
A Turkish firearm also featured in the investigation into the October 2024 murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, but that similarity does not establish a direct link.
Police allege that Kunal, 21, obtained a pistol and 20 rounds from Amritsar through a ‘dead letter box’, a prearranged collection point.
He allegedly recruited Sumit, 19, and couriers Radha and Babita, both 23, who worked in security-related jobs in Sonipat.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Praveen Kumar Tripathi said Kunal received Rs70,000–80,000, of which Rs10,000–12,000 went to a courier.
Radha allegedly carried the weapon to Mumbai on 15 October; after the women reached Dadar on 17 October, a boy collected the bag around 11am.
Investigators are also examining whether handlers used news coverage to monitor the police probe and adjust escape plans.
