Mumbai: The accused in the murder case of ex-Maharashtra Chief Minister Baba Siddique had a “Plan B” as a backup, sources told Times Now. Siddique, 66, was shot dead by three gunmen outside his son’s office in Mumbai’s Bandra area on October 12.
Gaurav Vilas Apune, who was arrested from Pune two days ago, told investigators he was chosen as shooter as part of the backup plan. Apune is the 16th accused to be caught in connection with the high-profile murder case.
In the Baba Siddiqui murder case, Mumbai Crime Branch arrested Gaurav Vilas Apune from Pune two days ago. During interrogation by Crime Branch, Gaurav informed officials that two plans were made for Baba's murder. If Plan A fails, then Plan B was prepared as backup. During interrogation, he also revealed that he went to Jharkhand to practice firing. A total of six shooters were recruited for "Plan B" in case Plan A failed, sources said.
Apune was sent to Jharkhand along with Rupesh Mohol, an accused already arrested in this case, by mastermind Shubham Lonkar to practice shooting. Lonkar also provided weapons for the practice, Times Now has learnt. Crime Branch officials are trying to locate the shooting place in Jharkhand, sources said.
Both Apune and Mohol went to Jharkhand on July 28 and returned to Pune on July 29. They remained in touch with Shubham Lonkar after they reached home, sources said.
"Before going to Jharkhand, Apune told his family that he was going for a picnic in Ujjain with friends," Crime Branch sources said.
The investigation has also revealed that Shubham Lonkar had promised four big rewards to the four arrested suspects – Rupesh Mohol, Karan Salve, Shivam Kohad and Gaurav Appune. The suspects were promised Rs 25 lakh each, an apartment, a car and a trip to Dubai after carrying out the murder.
The Crime Branch has seized five pistols and 64 live cartridges in the murder case.
Of these, three pistols have been recovered from Mumbai, one from Panvel and one from Pune.
The Crime Branch suspects that one more pistol and around 40 to 50 live cartridges are still to be found.