A series of high-profile threats and attacks has sent shockwaves through the Hindi film industry this February, reviving fears of the 1990s “mafia era.” Both actor Ranveer Singh and filmmaker Rohit Shetty are currently under heightened security following chilling warnings allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.+1
The Mumbai Police have intensified investigations, while industry veterans are calling for a united front against extortion and intimidation.
Timeline of Intimidation
The situation escalated rapidly over the first two weeks of February:
- Feb 1, 2026: Five rounds are fired at Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence. One bullet shatters the glass of an in-house gym. No injuries are reported, but five suspects are later arrested.+2
- Feb 10, 2026: Ranveer Singh receives a WhatsApp voice note demanding a “substantial sum” (reportedly upwards of ₹10 crore).
- Feb 13, 2026: A fresh audio clip surfaces from a man identifying as “Harry Boxer,” an operative of the Bishnoi gang. He warns Ranveer to “fall in line” or face the targeting of his entire staff and their families.+1
Who is Harry Boxer?
The individual at the center of the recent threats is Hari Chand Jaat, alias Harry Boxer. A former boxing coach from Rajasthan, he is believed to be operating from abroad.
- Modus Operandi: He uses voice notes and social media to claim responsibility for attacks, often asking victims to “verify his voice” on YouTube.
- Other Targets: He has previously claimed responsibility for a firing at comedian Kapil Sharma’s cafe in Canada and a recent incident in Portugal.
Industry Response: “Not the 90s Anymore”
While the threats feel like a throwback to the underworld dominance of decades past, industry voices are emphasizing that the law enforcement landscape has changed.
| Personality | Quote / Action |
| Sanjay Gupta | “We are not in the ’90s… In this AI age, the police force has never been better. Bollywood remains a target because it creates headlines.” |
| Hansal Mehta | Called for “urgency, not panic” and a “united industry that refuses to be intimidated.” |
| Ashoke Pandit (IFTDA) | Urged the Maharashtra CM to ensure safety, noting that if not stopped, this will spread beyond just the film industry. |
| FWICE | Formally wrote to CM Devendra Fadnavis seeking immediate intervention and high-level security for film professionals. |
Police Action & Security Upgrades
The Mumbai Police have invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the Rohit Shetty firing case, acknowledging a broader conspiracy.
- Security: Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have deployed six private armed guards at their residence, alongside official police personnel.
- Technical Probe: Crime Branch officials are investigating whether the recent audio clips are genuine or AI-generated. They have also traced several messages to foreign-based VPNs.+1