Mumbai Underworld: Tiger Shroff Shooting Sparks 90s Fear

An alleged shooting incident involving actor Tiger Shroff has prompted speculation about the resurgence of Mumbai's notorious 1990s underworld. Three shooters, reportedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, fired at Shroff's car, injuring his driver and a passerby. This event has reignited public concern about the city's past dominated by figures like Dawood Ibrahim.

However, investigative journalists believe the classic era of Mumbai's underworld, characterized by contract killings and widespread extortion, effectively concluded around 2001. What remains of these networks has reportedly shifted towards more sophisticated operations like real estate, film rights acquisition, and extensive smuggling of goods such as gold, arms, and electronics.

The claim of 200 active shooters for the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in Mumbai is viewed as improbable due to the immense logistical and financial requirements. Gang recruitment continues to target young men from impoverished backgrounds, a pattern consistent with historical underworld operations, with social media now also playing a role.

While the Bishnoi gang may engage in sporadic, attention-seeking incidents, establishing a deep-rooted presence in Mumbai is deemed difficult due to the city's unique linear geography and advanced police intelligence. The recent incident is seen less as a revival of the old underworld and more as an opportunistic act by a thinner network seeking to create fear and gain notoriety.