Mumbai: In a major development in Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique’s murder probe, the Mumbai Crime Branch have identified the fourth accused suspected to be involved in the killing. The suspect, Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar, is believed to have directed the shooters from outside. Akhtar provided them with information about Siddique’s location at the time of the shooting, and he also assisted with logistical support, including arranging rental rooms, said police sources.
Former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique was shot dead in Mumbai on Saturday. Three attackers fired shots at him outside his son Zeeshan's office in Bandra East. The 66-year-old was rushed to Lilavati Hospital where he succumbed to injuries. Siddique was cremated with full state honors at Bada Qabrastan on Sunday.
Lawrence Bishnoi gang on Sunday claimed responsibility for the killing of Siddique, a day after the former minister was gunned down. Shubham Lonkar, an associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, publicly claimed responsibility for the attack on Siddique in a social media post.
Mumbai police had arrested Gurmail Baljit Singh (23), a resident of Haryana and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap (19), from Uttar Pradesh, whereas there one aide, who was at the spot during the firing, fled from the spot. The accused were produced before the court by the crime branch team, where Dharmaraj Kashyap's lawyer claimed that he was a minor. However, an ossification test of accused Dharmaraj Kashyap in which it was proved that he is not minor.
Akhtar was a resident of village Shakar of Nakodar in Jalandhar. He was arrested by the local police in 2022 in a case related to organized crime, murder and robbery. While he was lodged in Patiala jail, he came in contact with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and received instructions to murder Siddique, revealed sources. As he was released from jail on June 7 of this year, he subsequently became involved with the gang and moved to Mumbai.
Related News |
Baba Siddique Murder Case: Pre-planned Killing By Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, 3rd Accused Arrested From Pune- 10 Points
As investigation widens, the Police on Sunday arrested 28-year-old Pravin Lonkar from Pune. He is brother of Shubham Lonkar, accused in the Nirmal Nagar firing case. The brothers had hatched the conspiracy of killing Siddiqui and enlisted Kashyap and Shivkumar Gautam in the plot, an official said.
"Yesterday, between 9-9.30 pm, ex-state minister Baba Siddique was shot outside his sons' office, under Nirmal Nagar police station. An offence has been registered and the investigation has been handed over to the Crime Branch. Two accused were detained on the spot… Two pistols and 28 rounds have been recovered… We have the custody of the accused till October 21. We are investigating the Lawrence Bishnoi gang's role in the case," DCP Crime Branch Datta Nalawade said.
"Mumbai Crime Branch recovered two pistols from both the accused. The accused had brought pepper spray, first, the accused were about to spray and then they were about to fire but the third accused Shiv Kumar Gautam started firing directly. Three constables were with Baba Siddique and at the time of the incident also three constables were there but they could not do anything. One more person has been injured in this firing," he added.
Related News |
Baba Siddique Murder Accused's Family Shares Shocking Details: ‘He Came Home In…’
The Mumbai Crime Branch has registered a case at Nirmal Nagar Police Station in connection with the murder under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act and Maharashtra Police Act.The case has been registered at Nirmal Nagar Police Station under Crime Registration No. 589/2024, Sections 103(1), 109, 125, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3, 25, 5, and 27 of the Arms Act, and Section 37 and section 137 of the Maharashtra Police Act.