Baba Siddique murder: In a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of veteran politician Baba Siddique, three suspects have been taken into custody by the Mumbai Police, including a co-conspirator. A bone ossification test has ruled out one of the suspect's claims of being a minor. Here's a detailed look at the investigation:
Key developments in the Baba Siddique murder case:
- Accused's Age Claim Disproven: The Mumbai Police conducted a bone ossification test on one of the key accused, Dharmaraj Kashyap, who had claimed to be a minor. The test results confirmed that Kashyap is not underage, despite his lawyer’s assertions in court. Kashyap, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, is now in police custody.
- Baba Siddique’s Murder: The 66-year-old Baba Siddique, a senior NCP leader, was shot dead by three individuals near his son Zeeshan Siddique's office in the Kher Nagar area of Mumbai's Bandra neighbourhood. The shooting took place late Saturday evening, shocking the political community.
- Cremation with Full State Honours: Baba Siddique’s body was cremated with full state honors in Mumbai on Sunday, following a large turnout of mourners and political figures who paid their last respects.
- Accused Arrested: Two of the three suspected shooters have been arrested. Gurmel Baljit Singh, 23, a resident of Haryana, was apprehended alongside Dharmaraj Kashyap. The third shooter, Shiv Kumar, who also hails from Uttar Pradesh, remains on the run. Efforts are underway to locate and arrest him.
- Link to Lawrence Bishnoi Gang: According to police sources, the suspects have confessed to working for the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Bishnoi, a notorious gangster, is currently lodged in Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat and has been linked to numerous criminal activities, including the previous shooting incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence. Khan was known to be a close friend of Baba Siddique.
- Assassination Plot: It has been revealed that the suspects had been monitoring Baba Siddique for several months, carrying out reconnaissance of his residence and office. The killers were reportedly paid ₹50,000 each in advance for the assassination, and the firearms used in the killing were delivered to them just days before the attack.
- Maharashtra CM Vows Swift Action: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured the public that the third shooter would be arrested soon. He emphasized the state's resolve to dismantle any underworld operations, stating, "Be it the Bishnoi gang or any underworld gang, we won’t spare anyone."
- Co-Conspirator Arrested: The Mumbai Police Crime Branch arrested 28-year-old Pravin Lonkar, a co-conspirator, from Pune on Sunday evening. Lonkar is believed to have played a crucial role in orchestrating the murder plot alongside his brother, Shubham Lonkar, who is still at large.
- Murder Conspiracy Uncovered: The Lonkar brothers are said to have masterminded the assassination of Baba Siddique and enlisted the help of Dharmaraj Kashyap and another individual, Kumar Gautam, in carrying out the deadly plot. Investigations are ongoing to track down all those involved.
- Police Continue Manhunt: As the investigation unfolds, the Mumbai Police are intensifying their efforts to capture the remaining suspects, particularly Shubham Lonkar and Shiv Kumar, and are working closely with other agencies to dismantle the Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s operations.
This murder, connected to one of Maharashtra's well-known politicians, has brought renewed focus on the influence of criminal syndicates like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and their involvement in high-profile crimes across the country. Authorities remain committed to bringing all responsible parties to justice.
- With inputs from agencies
