Mumbai, Oct 21: Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff was allegedly the second choice of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which had initially planned to target Salman Khan, according to police sources cited in the report.

The two shooters who allegedly opened fire at Shroff’s car on Sunday had reportedly conducted reconnaissance outside Salman Khan’s residence in Bandra, Mumbai. However, stringent security arrangements allegedly prompted them to abandon the plan and look for a less-protected target.

According to police sources, the gang learnt through social media posts that Shroff regularly played football at Pushpa Narsee Ground in Juhu every Sunday. As the actor reportedly did not have police security cover, the gang allegedly identified him as an easier target.

The shooters allegedly waited near the ground before opening fire as the actor’s car was leaving the premises. Shroff reportedly escaped unharmed.

The accused - Phool Singh, Rehan Ansari, both aged 18, and Hrithik Kumar, alias Roshan Ramu Mahto, aged 22 were reportedly arrested in Kota, Rajasthan, on Monday. They were being brought to Mumbai on transit remand for further investigation.

Mumbai Police has also strengthened security outside Salman Khan’s residence and installed barricades as a precautionary measure. Police are expected to examine the accused persons’ phones and question them to establish the motive and identify any other individuals involved.

The gang’s alleged involvement came to light after a social media post purportedly issued by Anil Pandit and Harman Sandhu claimed responsibility for the firing. The post also reportedly threatened other members of the Mumbai film industry who work with Salman Khan or refuse to follow the gang’s demands.

Salman Khan has faced repeated threats allegedly linked to the Bishnoi gang. The hostility is rooted in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case in Jodhpur, which angered members of the Bishnoi community, who consider the animal sacred.

In April 2024, two men allegedly fired shots outside Khan’s residence in Mumbai. The actor’s farmhouse in Panvel has also reportedly been under surveillance by gang members.

The gang has allegedly been linked to threats against other prominent personalities, including actor Ranveer Singh and filmmaker Rohit Shetty. In October 2024, former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot dead in Bandra, Mumbai.