The three accused in the Tiger Shroff firing case reportedly sent messages to their handlers before and after the attack, shared updates about the operation, and received instructions.
22-year-old Hrithik alias Roshan from Begusarai in Bihar, Rehan (18) from Sonipat in Haryana, and Phool Singh (18), also from Haryana, were arrested in Kota, Rajasthan, on Monday in connection with the alleged murder attempt on the actor.
Sources said that after the accused fled, they immediately informed their handlers that the operation was complete.
Their alleged handler Anil Pandit and his associates then waited for the reports of the firing to appear in the media.
After the news reports confirmed the incident, they released a Facebook post and an audio clip that had been prepared in advance.
The shooters also reportedly shared a short video of Tiger Shroff playing football with their handlers. The handlers then gave the the green signal to proceed with the attack.
Reports on Monday said that they collectively received Rs 50,000 as an advance for the attack and were promised more after its execution.
According to a report by NDTV, sources said that two months ago Rehan and his associate Phool Singh allegedly opened fire at a businessman in Amritsar to intimidate him. Investigators believe he came in contact with Anil Pandit after the incident.
Police recovered a bag containing one pair of clothes for each man. They also recovered two of their mobile phones; the third person threw away their phone while travelling after the incident.
Investigators are trying to identify which member of the Bishnoi gang he three sent photographs and videos to.
Mumbai police meanwhile recovered five empty bullet shells and two live cartridges from the scene in Juhu. According to police, the live cartridges fell out of the firearm allegedly used by Rehan after the weapon jammed.
A senior Mumbai police officer said that their teams are examining CCTV footage from the area from the past few weeks to trace the movement of the accused. Police are also trying to identify other suspicious individuals who may have visited the ground before the attack.
The three accused have been charged with attempted murder and will be produced before a court after undergoing a medical examination.
