Mumbai Police invoke MCOCA against all accused in Tiger Shroff firing case

Mumbai Police have invoked provisions of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all accused in the firing case involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff, intensifying the investigation into the alleged organised criminal network behind the attack.

The move comes as the Mumbai Crime Branch continues to investigate the October 18 shooting in the Juhu area, where assailants allegedly opened fire at the actor's vehicle. Shroff escaped without serious injuries, while his driver and a bystander sustained injuries.

Eleven people have been arrested in connection with the case so far. Investigators are examining the alleged involvement of gangster Anil Pandit, suspected links between the accused and the procurement of firearms used in the attack.

Organised crime angle under investigation

The invocation of MCOCA marks a significant development in the case, allowing investigators to pursue allegations of organised criminal activity under the Maharashtra law.

Police have been examining whether the attack was carried out as part of a coordinated conspiracy involving multiple accused operating across different states.

Investigators suspect that Anil Pandit, allegedly associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, played a role in coordinating the attack. Police are also probing the communication between the suspected shooters and their alleged handlers.

Earlier, police sources indicated that the attackers had conducted reconnaissance of several prominent Bollywood personalities before allegedly targeting Shroff.

The Crime Branch's Anti-Extortion Cell is investigating the case, including the alleged planning, financing and execution of the attack.

Four accused in custody till October 28

Meanwhile, a Mumbai court on Monday extended the police custody of four accused, including two women, until October 28.

The accused — Kunal, 21, Sumit, 19, Radha, 23, and Babita, 23 — were produced before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate S Khedkar at the Esplanade Court.

Police sought an extension of their custody, submitting that further interrogation was necessary to examine their alleged roles in the conspiracy and verify evidence recovered during the investigation.

Investigators told the court that the accused had allegedly communicated through the encrypted messaging application Signal and that data recovered from their phones included photographs and videos relating to firearms.

Police also sought to collect voice samples and confront the accused with others arrested in the case.

The defence opposed the extension, arguing that further custodial interrogation was unnecessary and that the accused could be questioned while in judicial custody.

After hearing both sides, the court extended their police custody until October 28.

Police probe weapon supply network

According to investigators, the accused allegedly travelled to Amritsar to procure firearms before arranging their transportation to Mumbai.

Police suspect that the two women helped transport weapons by train and subsequently delivered them to individuals involved in the shooting.

Investigators have also examined mobile phone records, suspected financial transactions and communication links between the accused and wanted persons.

Earlier, three other accused — Ankit Khattar, Samir Khatri and Jatin Panchal — were remanded to police custody until October 28.

Police alleged that Ankit had travelled to Mumbai to conduct reconnaissance, Samir was in contact with Anil Pandit, and Jatin had helped procure weapons.

The investigation is continuing to establish the precise roles of those arrested and identify others allegedly involved in the conspiracy.

Firing incident in Juhu

The case relates to the firing incident on October 18, when at least two assailants allegedly fired five to six rounds at Shroff's vehicle near a football ground in Juhu.

The attackers reportedly fled on a motorcycle, which was subsequently recovered from Andheri.

Police registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act, including charges relating to attempt to murder.

The incident prompted heightened security concerns, particularly after investigators began examining claims that other Bollywood personalities had also been considered potential targets.

The latest decision to invoke MCOCA adds an organised crime dimension to the prosecution as investigators continue efforts to establish the alleged network behind the shooting.