The shocking murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique has left Mumbai shaken as police investigations reveal a carefully orchestrated plot that spans from a jail cell in Patiala to the streets of Mumbai. Siddique was killed outside his Bandra office on Saturday, and six suspects have been identified so far, three of whom are already in police custody. Here’s a closer look at the intricate details of this unfolding story.
The Plot Begins in Patiala Jail
The origins of the assassination plot trace back to Patiala jail, where Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar, a key suspect, reportedly received the contract to kill Siddique from members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. While serving time for previous charges of organized crime, murder, and robbery, Akhtar allegedly grew close to Bishnoi’s gang members. Sources reveal that the gang considered him a dependable choice for the job and entrusted him with the assassination.
Key Players and Meeting in Kaithal
Upon Akhtar’s release on June 7, he met Gurmail Singh, another accused, in Kaithal, Haryana. According to police reports, Akhtar coordinated with Singh and others in the group, including Dharmaraj Kashyap and Shiv Kumar, to carefully plan the logistics of the operation. Together, they plotted Siddique’s murder with meticulous precision, covering details from transportation to accommodations.
Akhtar maintained continuous communication with the group, helping them reach Mumbai and set up a base for the attack. Police suspect that Akhtar also tracked Siddique’s movements and provided the shooters with real-time updates.
The Day of the Murder of Baba Siddique: A Precise Execution
On Saturday, three assailants arrived outside Baba Siddique’s Bandra office in a vehicle, with their faces covered. Before anyone could react, Shiv Kumar opened fire, using a 9.9 mm pistol. Six shots were fired, with one fatally striking Siddique in the chest. Following the attack, the shooters fled, leaving the scene in chaos. Siddique was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra but was declared dead upon arrival.
Mumbai Police, responding swiftly, managed to identify six suspects, three of whom were quickly apprehended. Those in custody are Gurmail Singh, Pravin Lonkar, and Dharmaraj Kashyap, while Shiv Kumar, Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar, and Shubham Lonkar, Pravin’s brother, remain at large.
Social Media Claim of Responsibility
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the assassination shortly after the incident, with Shubham Lonkar, one of the fugitives, posting on social media. This public claim has brought increased scrutiny to the gang’s activities and expanded the scope of the investigation as police search for the remaining suspects.
Connections Within the Gang and Security Oversight
Both Shiv Kumar and Dharmaraj Kashyap were scrap workers in Pune, employed at Pravin Lonkar’s dairy shop. Originally from Uttar Pradesh, these two were reportedly hired specifically to execute the killing. Police allege that the gang members provided them with support and resources to ensure the success of their mission. The accused even carried pepper spray, intending to disorient Siddique before firing, though they ultimately fired directly.
Baba Siddique had limited security at the time of the incident. Contrary to claims of a “Y” category security cover, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Datta Nalawade clarified that Siddique had a single constable with him, working in shifts. At the time of the shooting, the lone constable was unable to act quickly enough to prevent the attack.
The Arrests and Legal Action
After Siddique’s murder, Mumbai Police intensified their search and quickly apprehended three suspects. Charges have been filed under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), as well as the Arms Act and the Maharashtra Police Act, reflecting the gravity of the case. Police continue to hunt for the remaining suspects, while security has been heightened to prevent further incidents.
What’s Next?
The murder of Baba Siddique has drawn national attention, with authorities focused on apprehending the fugitives and uncovering any additional layers to the plot. Police efforts are ongoing, and they are closely monitoring public spaces and increasing surveillance.
The investigation not only seeks justice for Siddique’s murder but also highlights the far-reaching influence of criminal networks, prompting law enforcement to take significant measures to curb such incidents. As the search continues for the remaining suspects, Mumbai Police are determined to bring all responsible parties to justice and provide closure in this shocking case.