NEW DELHI: In a startling development, unidentified gunmen opened fire outside Bollywood actress Disha Patani’s family home in Bareilly’s Civil Lines area during the early hours of Friday. The firing, which took place around 4:30 AM at Villa No. 40, involved two men on a motorcycle who fired multiple rounds, including aerial shots, before fleeing. No casualties were reported, but the incident has shaken both the neighbourhood and the film fraternity.

Shortly after, the Rohit Godara–Goldy Brar gang, infamous for violent crimes including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, claimed responsibility via a Facebook post. Written in Hindi, the message named Virendra Charan and Mahendra Saran (the Delana brothers) as the shooters. It declared: “I, Virendra Charan, Mahendra Saran (Delana). Brothers, today the firing that happened at Khushboo Patani/Disha Patani’s (Bollywood actress) house (Villa No. 40, Civil Lines, Bareilly, UP), we got it done. She insulted our revered saints (Premanand Ji Maharaj and Aniruddhacharya Ji Maharaj).” The note added that this was “just a trailer,” serving as a chilling warning to the entertainment industry against perceived disrespect toward religion or saints, with future threats of fatal violence.

The alleged provocation originated from remarks by Disha’s elder sister, Khushboo Patani, who had criticised a spiritual leader’s comments on live-in relationships. Her remarks were circulated online as disparagement of revered Hindu gurus, sparking outrage in some circles. At the time of the attack, Disha’s father, retired DSP Jagdish Singh Patani, her mother, and Khushboo were inside the house. Jagdish Patani promptly lodged a police complaint.

Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya confirmed five teams have been deployed to track the assailants. CCTV footage is under review, alerts against Goldy Brar’s network are active, and the Patani family has received additional security. Police are verifying the authenticity of the social media claim while tracing its origin.

This episode underscores rising threats against public figures. Gangster Goldy Brar, based in Canada and linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, has previously targeted celebrities like Salman Khan. The attack follows a similar shooting last month outside YouTuber Elvish Yadav’s residence.

Disha Patani has not publicly commented, while Khushboo termed the episode “deeply disturbing.” Social media has erupted with concern for the actress’s safety, alongside calls for strict action against organized crime.