Kota Police detained three men suspected of involvement in the firing incident targeting actor Tiger Shroff after searching the Pune–Jaipur Express at Kota railway station on Monday. The suspects were travelling in the train's general compartment and allegedly planned to escape to Nepal via Delhi, according to Kota Superintendent of Police Tejaswini Gautam.
The operation was launched after Mumbai Police alerted their Kota counterparts about the suspects' possible movement by train. Gautam said the police technical team was ready within 15 minutes of receiving the information, enabling officers to search the train shortly after it arrived at the station at around 10.30 am.
The police searched the train and detained the three men for questioning. Reports identified two of the suspects as residents of Haryana and the third as being from Maharashtra.
Gautam said no weapons were recovered from the suspects at the time of their detention. Their alleged roles in the firing incident and the circumstances surrounding the attack are being investigated.
Kota Police search entire train within 15 minutes
Describing the operation, Gautam said coordination between Mumbai Police and Kota Police helped officers act swiftly on the information received.
The Pune–Jaipur Express arrived at Kota railway station at approximately 10.30 am. The police team searched the train, focusing on the general compartment, and detained the three suspects within around 15 minutes.
The suspects are being questioned as investigators work to establish their alleged involvement in the firing incident targeting Tiger Shroff.
Accused allegedly planned to escape to Nepal via Delhi
According to Gautam, the suspects allegedly planned to travel to Delhi before making their way to Nepal to evade the investigation.
Police are examining the alleged escape plan and the suspects' movements before and after the incident. Their reported links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang are also being investigated, and their individual roles have yet to be established.
Investigators are looking into whether the men conducted reconnaissance of the actor's movements before the firing and whether they received any training or assistance to carry out the attack.
Police investigate alleged recruitment chain
Gautam identified a man named Pandit as the main accused, saying he had contacted Rehan. Rehan allegedly recruited a minor from Sonipat, Haryana, in connection with the case.
Police are investigating the alleged links between the individuals and the roles they may have played in planning or executing the attack. The precise involvement of the three detained men, including whether they directly participated in the firing or assisted others, remains under investigation.
Two suspects have previous criminal cases, says SP
Gautam said two of the suspects had previous cases registered against them under the Arms Act and in connection with motorcycle theft.
However, no weapons were recovered from the men during the operation at Kota railway station, she said.
The investigation is continuing to establish the suspects' movements, their alleged connections and whether other individuals were involved in the firing incident.
Tiger Shroff escapes firing incident in Mumbai
Tiger Shroff narrowly escaped injury when gunmen allegedly fired at his BMW car in Juhu, north-west Mumbai, on October 18. His father, actor Jackie Shroff, subsequently confirmed that his son was safe.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Bollywood celebrities and the possibility of criminal gangs attempting to intimidate prominent figures in the film industry.
Three accused, including a minor, have been apprehended by Kota Police in connection with the firing on Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff SP Tejaswani Gautam said the accused, Rehan alias Sukka of Haryana, Hritik Kurmi alias Roshan of Bihar COURTESY ANI https://t.co/5sWWflUs0c
— Shakeel Yasar Ullah (@yasarullah) October 19, 2026
Trade analyst Girish Wankhede says attack raises concerns for Bollywood
Trade analyst Girish Wankhede, speaking to Rediff, described the incident as particularly serious. He argued that firing at a moving or occupied car carries a greater risk of causing fatalities than firing at a building.
Wankhede linked the incident to what he described as the Lawrence Bishnoi gang's alleged hostility towards Salman Khan and its reported attempts to establish a presence in Bollywood. He cited previous incidents involving threats against Khan, the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique and the firing incident at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence.
These connections and the alleged motive behind the Tiger Shroff incident have not been independently established by the police.
Is the Bishnoi gang targeting Tiger because he is close to Salman Khan?
Wankhede suggested that Tiger's association with Salman Khan could explain why he was targeted. He noted that Baba Siddique was also close to Khan and argued that the broader pattern of threats and attacks had created an atmosphere of fear within the film industry.
He further expressed concern over alleged threats circulating through voice notes on social media, saying authorities needed to treat such incidents as a priority.
Wankhede also questioned the security arrangements around Tiger, claiming there were no police personnel nearby when the incident occurred. Reports said Tiger escaped the firing, while his driver sustained injuries.
However, the police investigation will be crucial in establishing the motive behind the attack and whether the incident was connected to any alleged rivalry involving Salman Khan.
Around Rs 70-80 crore reportedly riding on Tiger Shroff's upcoming films
Wankhede also highlighted the potential financial implications of the incident for the film industry. According to the trade analyst, Tiger has completed two upcoming projects.
One is an untitled film produced by Neeraj Tiwari and Vicky Jain, Ankita Lokhande's husband, and directed by Remo D'Souza. The other is Lag Jaa Gale, produced by Dharma Productions, directed by Raj Mehta and starring Janhvi Kapoor and Lakshya.
Wankhede estimated that the two films could be worth around Rs 30-35 crore each, putting approximately Rs 70-80 crore at stake across the projects.
He also warned that the incident could make actors more cautious about public appearances and promotional activities, including visits to cities, shopping malls and other venues to promote their films.
According to Wankhede, such concerns could affect film marketing and create anxiety across Bollywood. While the police may identify and apprehend those responsible, he said the incident could have a wider impact on the industry's sense of security.
