A Mumbai court on Friday remanded three individuals to police custody until October 28 in connection with the investigation into the shooting attack on film actor Tiger Shroff. The accused—identified as 18-year-old Sarpanch Khatak (also known as Ankit), 19-year-old Sameer Khatri, and 27-year-old Jatin Panchal—were produced before the Esplanade court following their arrest in Sonipat, Haryana, on October 20.
Authorities confirmed that the trio was transported to Mumbai after investigators secured a transit remand from a local court in Haryana. During the proceedings, the Mumbai Crime Branch detailed the specific allegations against the suspects, asserting that their involvement was central to the planning and execution of the attack. According to police, the men acted as conduits for the perpetrators, providing essential logistical support and weaponry required for the act.
A police officer briefed on the investigation stated that the accused were deeply embedded in the criminal conspiracy. "Ankit helped conduct reconnaissance at the residences of various celebrities for the shooters. He is part of the conspiracy and was in touch with Anil Pandit, who took credit after the firing at Tiger Shroff," the officer explained. Furthermore, Sameer and Jatin are accused of directly supplying the firearms utilized in the incident.
The police remand application submitted to the court indicated that the attack was a premeditated effort to establish dominance and incite fear. Investigators noted that the accused allegedly managed money transfers, assisted in scouting locations, and ensured the shooters had an escape plan, which purportedly included a safe passage to Nepal. The prosecution argued that these actions were calculated to create terror within society and achieve financial and territorial influence.
The court, after hearing the arguments presented by the state, granted the police request for custody, allowing investigators four additional days to interrogate the suspects. The primary focus of this upcoming period is to dismantle the larger network behind the attack. Officials emphasized the need to determine who directed the accused to procure the weapons and to identify the original source of the illicit arms.
The incident has drawn significant attention, prompting broader discussions regarding celebrity safety. Following the shooting, there have been public remarks from figures like Ashoke Pandit, who noted that while security measures are essential, maintaining constant protection for every star is not always practical, emphasizing the broader goal of ensuring the public feels secure. Meanwhile, the investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the full scope of the conspiracy.
As the legal process moves forward, the Mumbai Crime Branch remains in active pursuit of further leads. The custodial interrogation is expected to shed light on whether the accused were acting under orders from higher-ranking criminal elements. Further updates are expected as the police complete their questioning before the October 28 deadline, by which time the suspects must be produced in court again.
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