From Punjab to Mumbai: The dark blueprint behind Baba Siddique's murder
After meeting the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in Patiala jail, Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar, a Jalandhar native and major conspirator in Baba Siddique's murder, relocated to Mumbai.
Baba Siddique murder: In a shocking incident that has captured headlines across the nation, six individuals have been accused in the murder of Baba Siddique, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a former minister in Maharashtra. Among them is Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar, a resident of Jalandhar in Punjab, who played a pivotal role in orchestrating the attack.
Who is Baba Siddique?
Baba Siddique, aged 67, was well-known in political circles and was the father of Zeeshan Siddique, an MLA. He was shot dead on October 12, 2024, in an ambush carried out by three shooters in the bustling Kher Nagar area of Mumbai, right outside the office of his son. The attack occurred during the Dussehra celebrations, when police forces were on high alert, making the incident even more brazen.
The Role of Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar
Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar's involvement in this heinous crime began two years prior when he was arrested for various charges, including murder and robbery. During his time in Patiala jail, he connected with members of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. After his release, he relocated to Mumbai, where he assisted in the meticulous planning of Baba Siddique's murder.
Akhtar's role included coordinating with the shooters by providing them with crucial information about Siddique's whereabouts and arranging for their accommodations in Mumbai. This coordination was vital in the execution of the crime.
The ambush and aftermath
On the day of the shooting, Siddique was ambushed by three shooters in broad daylight. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to Lilavati Hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, as confirmed by Mumbai Police.
Following the murder, Akhtar went into hiding, with reports indicating that he is still evading authorities in Mumbai. Law enforcement agencies have deployed multiple teams to track him down.
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Arrests made and investigation progress
In the wake of the assassination, two suspects were apprehended at the crime scene. Authorities recovered two pistols and 28 rounds of ammunition from them. DCP Crime Branch Datta Nalawade stated, “We have taken the two accused into custody until October 21 and are investigating the Lawrence Bishnoi gang's role in this case.”
The arrested shooters have been identified as Gurmail Baljit Singh (23) from Haryana and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap (19) from Uttar Pradesh. A third accomplice, Pravin Lonkar (29), was arrested in Pune. Notably, Pravin's brother, Shubham, had made a controversial social media post claiming responsibility for the murder on behalf of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, but he later deleted the post.
The murder of Baba Siddique has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Maharashtra, raising concerns about gang violence and security. As investigations continue, the connections between organized crime and political figures come into sharper focus, revealing a disturbing trend that could have broader implications for public safety and law enforcement in the region.
As the situation unfolds, the people of Maharashtra and the broader political community are left to grapple with the loss of a prominent leader and the chilling implications of this brutal act.