Mumbai: Investigators probing the shooting incident involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff suspect that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang may have been trying to make its presence felt in Mumbai by challenging the lingering influence of Dawood Ibrahim and his once-dominant D-Company, according to an IANS report.
The Mumbai Crime Branch believes the gang’s repeated activity in the city was not random. Police officials suspect it was part of a planned effort to gain control over Mumbai’s criminal network and create fear.
A senior police officer said the alleged plan was to bring back the fear linked to Mumbai’s old underworld days, when one call from a gangster could reportedly scare businessmen, builders and people from the film industry.
Investigators believe that building such a reputation could help the gang run a bigger extortion racket. They suspect the gang may have targeted builders and people connected with Bollywood, demanding large amounts of money.
So far, 12 people have been arrested in connection with the firing at Shroff’s car. The Crime Branch has also reportedly recovered audio clips that mention people linked to the underworld.
The recordings are being examined by forensic experts. Police hope the clips will help them understand the size of the alleged gang network and identify those involved in planning or carrying out criminal activities.
Officials believe the Bishnoi gang may have been trying to challenge existing gangs in Mumbai and take greater control of organised crime in the city.
Police have started a major crackdown to break the suspected network and stop more criminal activity. Investigators are also checking the evidence to find out whether the firing was part of a bigger plan to spread fear and show the gang’s presence in Mumbai.
The investigation is still going on.
