In a chilling escalation of threats targeting the Indian film industry, the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi criminal syndicate has publicly claimed responsibility for a brazen firing incident outside the Juhu residence of acclaimed blockbuster director Rohit Shetty. This alarming development has sent shockwaves through Mumbai's entertainment circles, raising serious security concerns for prominent industry figures.
Details of the Early Morning Attack
The attack unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, February 1, 2026, when two motorcycle-borne assailants fired multiple rounds at "Shetty Tower" in Mumbai's upscale Juhu neighborhood before swiftly fleeing the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the shooting, but the audacious nature of the assault has drawn immediate parallels to previous high-profile incidents, including the 2024 shooting outside actor Salman Khan's residence and the assassination of politician Baba Siddique.
Social Media Threats and Direct Warnings
Shortly after the gunshots echoed through the quiet residential area, a disturbing post surfaced on social media platforms from accounts linked to Shubham Lonkar and Aarzoo Bishnoi, identified as high-ranking operatives within the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate. The message, written in Hindi, delivered a direct and violent ultimatum to the filmmaker and the broader Bollywood community.
The translated warning read: "Ram Ram, Jai Bajrang Bali to all brothers. Today, we, Shubham Lonkar, Aarzoo Bishnoi, Hari Boxer, and Harman Shandu, take responsibility for the firing at film director Rohit Shetty's home in Mumbai. We messaged him many times not to interfere in our work, but he did not understand. This is just a small trailer. If he doesn't listen, the next bullets won't be outside the house—they will be inside his bedroom, into his chest. This is a warning to the entire Bollywood industry: mend your ways or your condition will be worse than Baba Siddique's. To those we have called—fall in line or you will run out of places to hide. And to our enemies, be ready; wait and watch. (NOTE: There was only one, there is only one, and there will only be one — Lawrence Bishnoi Group)."
Police Response and Investigation
The Mumbai Police and Crime Branch have launched a massive manhunt in response to the incident, deploying specialized forensic teams to the crime scene and extensively scanning CCTV footage from the Juhu-Vile Parle area to identify the shooters. Authorities are working diligently to verify the authenticity of the social media claims and investigate the gang's reference to Shetty "interfering" in their criminal operations.
Broader Implications for Bollywood Security
This latest incident underscores the Lawrence Bishnoi gang's continued efforts to establish a reign of terror over India's film industry through systematic extortion and high-profile intimidation tactics. Security protocols for several prominent industry figures are currently being reviewed and potentially enhanced as law enforcement agencies assess the credibility of the threats.
The brazen attack represents a significant escalation in the gang's campaign against Bollywood personalities, following their previous targeting of major stars. The reference to "interfering" in gang operations suggests potential conflicts over financial interests or territorial control within the entertainment industry's shadow economy.
As investigations continue, the Mumbai Police remain on high alert, with increased surveillance and security measures being implemented in vulnerable areas. The incident has reignited debates about organized crime's infiltration into India's entertainment sector and the adequacy of protective measures for public figures facing such threats.
