Mumbai:

A photo of Zeeshan Siddique was found in the phone of one of the men who shot his father, Baba Siddique, last Saturday. The phone recovered from one of the accused arrested during the investigation of the murder case of the NCP leader had his photo, police sources said.

According to the sources, the photo was shared with the accused by their handler through Snapchat. The platform, investigators say, was used by the shooters and conspirators in the case to send messages to each other.

These messages were deleted on instruction from their handler, allegedly belonging to the gang of the notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

Read | Son’s Cryptic Post After Baba Siddique Murder

Siddique was shot by three men near his MLA son’s office in Nirmal Nagar in Mumbai’s Bandra area on October 12. The Congress-turned-NCP leader was rushed to nearby Lilavati Hospital where he was declared dead. The police have arrested nine people – including two of the three shooters – in the case so far. Five of them – Nitin Gautam Sapre (32), Sambhaji Kisan Pardhi (44), Pradeep Dattu Thombre (37), Chetan Dilip Pardhi and Ram Fulchand Kanoujia (43) -were arrested yesterday for allegedly providing firearms and logistical support to the shooters. Three accused are still on the run, police said.

Kanoujia, a resident of Panvel in Raigad, told police that the contract to kill Siddique was initially given to him and Sapre, sources said. He quoted a whopping amount of Rs 1 crore to take up the contract as, he said, he didn’t want to kill Siddique, the sources added. After Kanaujia and Sapre backed off, the task was given to Dharmraj Kashyap, Gurnail Singh and Shivkumar Gautam, the sources said. Kashyap and Singh were arrested on the day of the crime while Gautam managed to escape.

The accused told police that Shubham Lonkar – who was an alleged conspirator and the handler of the shooters in the case – chose Kashyap and Gautam for the job because he knew the people of Uttar Pradesh would not know about Baba Siddiqui’s stature in Maharashtra and that they would agree to commit the murder even for less money, according to the police sources.

Constable With Baba Siddique During Shooting Incident Suspended

When Baba Siddique was shot, he had only one police constable – a part of his security detail – accompanying him who did not retaliate when six rounds were fired at the senior politician. The security personnel has been suspended.

The constable told the investigators that he failed to react at the time of the incident as some “chilli-like substance” had entered his eyes, the sources said.

The three shooters and a co-conspirator had stationed themselves close to Mr Siddique’s waiting car, as per a reconstruction of the assassination. As the 66-year-old came out of the office and tried to get inside the car, the killers let off some device that covered the area in thick smoke. Many thought it was the smoke from the firecrackers, which also masked the noise of gunshots.

Baba Siddique had a ‘2+1’ security which means, two security guards during the day and one at night. When he went to Bandra East on October 12, he had two security guards with him. But before he left his son’s office, around 8:30 pm, one of the two security guards had left the location.

Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Link?

The Mumbai Crime Branch is also probing if the arrested accused had any link to the firing outside actor Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartments residence in Mumbai’s Bandra area in April. Lawrence Bishnoi had taken responsibility for the crime.

A day after Siddique’s murder, a Facebook post claimed the Bishnoi gang was behind it. Hours later, a 28-year-old man was arrested from Pune. The police said the arrested man, Pravin Lonkar, was a “co-conspirator” and added that they were on the lookout for his brother, Shubham Lonkar.

31-year-old Bishnoi is in jail since 2015 is accused of running a trans-national crime syndicate by the National Investigation Agency. His name has been linked to several high-profile murder and extortion cases including the 2022 killing of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.

New Delhi:

Even as the number of arrests in NCP leader Baba Siddique’s murder case went up to nine, his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique on Friday shared a cryptic post on social media platform X.

Not all that is hidden sleeps,
Nor all that is visible speaks.

— Zeeshan Siddique (@zeeshan_iyc) October 18, 2024

On the same day, Zeeshan Siddique met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio in the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government, and was apprised of the police probe so far into the murder of his father.

Earlier on Thursday, Zeeshan Siddique had demanded justice for his family, while also appealing that his father’s death should not be politicised and nor should it go in vain.

Baba Siddique was gunned down near Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Nirmal Nagar in Mumbai’s Bandra area on October 12. Nine persons have been arrested in the case so far, including five held on Friday after raids in Panvel and Karjat in neighbouring Raigad district.

Meanwhile, a shooter of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed Baba Siddique was not a good man and had connections with India’s most-wanted criminal Dawood Ibrahim. 

Yogesh alias Raju (26), who is associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi-Hashim Baba gangs but not linked with Baba Siddique’s killing, said, “There were charges against him under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). It is said that he was associated with Dawood, the man behind the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. When people get involved with such individuals, something is bound to happen. This is exactly what happened to Siddique,” Raju claimed.

As investigation into the case continues and security for actor Salman Khan was ramped up after the 66-year-old NCP leader’s murder, police in Mumbai received a threat message demanding Rs 5 crore from Mr Khan, claiming to resolve his conflict with imprisoned gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The message also warned that if the demand is not met, “Salman Khan’s condition will be worse than Baba Siddique.”

Mumbai:

After former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his son’s office on Saturday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured that those responsible for Siddique’s brutal murder will not escape justice. 

“Our responsibility is to maintain law and order. Whoever is responsible for Baba Siddique’s murder will not be spared,” Mr Shinde said. 

The Chief Minister alleged that the law and order situation had deteriorated during the tenure of the previous Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. According to Mr Shinde, under the MVA’s administration, security measures had weakened, leading to a rise in criminal incidents, adding that his government would ensure that justice is delivered and that lawbreakers face the full weight of the law.

The murder of Mr Siddique shocked the state and triggered widespread concerns about public safety. The Mumbai Police has arrested two suspects in connection with the case. A third suspect remains at large, and the Chief Minister assured the public that efforts are being intensified to apprehend the fugitive. Shinde stated, “The third accused is on the run. 

“Yesterday’s incident of Baba Siddique’s murder is unfortunate and sad. Mumbai Police has arrested two people, one is from UP and the other from Haryana. The third accused is on the run. He will be arrested soon. They will not be spared no matter who they are be it the Bishnoi gang or any underworld gang. Strict action will be taken. Those who are receiving threats, their safety is the state government’s responsibility and it will fulfil its responsibility,” Mr Shinde said. 

According to police, Mr Siddique was shot multiple times, sustaining two critical gunshot wounds to his chest. He was immediately rushed to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital where he died shortly after his arrival.

A political slugfest erupted over the killing between the ruling BJP and Opposition parties. While the BJP-led Maharashtra government has requested not to “politicise” the incident, Opposition leaders, notably from the Congress, have slammed the ruling dispensation over what they describe as a “collapse of law and order.”

New Delhi:

After veteran NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot dead near his son’s office in Mumbai’s Bandra last night, a political slugfest has erupted over the killing between the ruling BJP and Opposition parties. While the BJP-led Maharashtra government has requested not to “politicise” the incident, Opposition leaders, notably from the Congress, have slammed the ruling dispensation over what they describe as a “collapse of law and order.”

Mr Siddique, 66, a prominent political figure known for his three-time stint as an MLA from Bandra West, was gunned down by unknown attackers outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra East last night. According to the police, Mr Siddique sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the chest, and died of his injuries at Lilavati Hospital later that night.

READ | Baba Siddique Shooters Claim To Be From Lawrence Bishnoi Gang: Sources

Following the murder, Mumbai Police arrested two suspects who claimed to belong to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Bishnoi, incarcerated at Gujarat’s Sabarmati jail, was also involved in the shooting incident outside the residence of Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who is known to have been a close friend of Mr Siddique.

Political Slugfest

“The tragic demise of Baba Siddique ji is shocking and saddening. My thoughts are with his family in this difficult time. This horrifying incident exposes the complete collapse of law and order in Maharashtra. The government must take responsibility, and justice must prevail,” wrote Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed similar sentiments, calling Mr Siddique’s murder “shocking beyond words.” In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Kharge said, “The tragic demise of former Maharashtra Minister, Baba Siddique, is shocking beyond words. In this hour of grief, I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and supporters. Justice must be ensured, and the present Maharashtra government must order a thorough and transparent investigation. The culprits must be brought to book at the earliest. Accountability is paramount.”

READ | Strongman To Bollywood Mediator, Baba Siddique Beyond Lavish Iftar Parties

“The news of the murder of senior Maharashtra leader Baba Siddiqui is extremely sad. I pray to God to give the deceased a high place in heaven and give patience and courage to the family. What name will you give to such criminal incidents that are continuously happening in Maharashtra under the NDA rule?” asked RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that the ruling Mahayuti Alliance – comprising the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), BJP, and the Nationalist Congress Party or NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) – wasted no time in cracking down on the culprits.

“The Maharashtra government of Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar’s NDA government caught two accused within 24 hours. The search for the third accused is underway, and he will also be caught soon,” Mr Bhandari said. “Politics should not be done on this. Baba Siddique was a big leader. In Maharashtra, no one can escape the law. CM Eknath Shinde is personally monitoring the investigation.”

READ | Baba Siddique’s Shooters Lived In Rented House, Did Recce For Weeks: 5 Points

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal appreciated the state’s quick response while taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi.

“The unfortunate incident that happened with Baba Siddique can’t be condemned enough and we are all sad about this…but state government immediately sprung into action, some accused were arrested, nobody can show promptness more than this. When it comes to Rahul Gandhi and some other people, I am sad about the fact that they look for politics in such incidents as well. When Rahul Gandhi is asking questions about the law and order situation, he should also comment on the law and order situation of the states where his party is in power,” said Mr Khandelwal

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also urged the Opposition to not politicise the murder.

“We are very sad that our friend is lost. The opposition should not politicise this matter,” Mr Pawar said, adding that five teams have been formed and sent to other states to investigate the case. 

Law Enforcement’s Challenge

According to the police, out of the three shooters, two have been arrested – Gurmail Baljit Singh, 23, from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap, 19, from Uttar Pradesh – and one has been identified as Shiv Kumar, also from UP. A fourth person, believed to be the handler, is on the run.

The suspects had been monitoring Mr Siddique for months, conducting reconnaissance of his residence and office. The police revealed that the suspects had been paid Rs 50,000 each in advance for the hit and that arms had been delivered to them only days before the assassination.

Both arrested suspects are now in police custody, and the hunt for the others continues. Mumbai Police have also heightened the security around Salman Khan’s residence.

Mumbai:

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique. The NCP leader, 66, was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Mumbai’s Bandra East last night.

According to the police, three shooters were involved in the murder. Out of the three, two have been arrested – Gurmail Baljit Singh, 23, from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap, 19, from Uttar Pradesh – and the third has been identified as Shiv Kumar Gautam, also from UP. A fourth person, believed to be the handler, is also on the run.

READ | BJP vs Congress After Veteran Leader Baba Siddique Shot Dead In Mumbai

The incident, which unfolded around 9:30 pm, saw Mr Siddique and his associate targeted by assailants who fired multiple rounds, fatally striking the politician in the chest. Hours after the shooting, the notorious Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the assassination through a social media post. Central agencies are now investigating the post, reportedly linked to a Facebook account belonging to Shubuu Lonkar, who, sources suggest, may actually be Shubham Rameshwar Lonkar – an associate of the Bishnoi gang. 

Shubham Lonkar was arrested earlier this year from Maharashtra’s Akola for possession of illegal weapons and is believed to have strong connections with the Bishnoi network. During police interrogation, Shubham confessed to communicating with Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence’s close brother, through video calls, linking him to the notorious gang leader.

The investigation into Mr Siddiqui’s murder has also revealed that two of the shooters, Dharamraj Kashyap and Shiv Kumar Gautam, hail from Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich. Both are neighbours and reportedly worked as labourers in Pune before being lured into the criminal underworld. Bahraich Superintendent of Police (SP) Vrinda Shukla confirmed that while Dharamraj has been arrested, Shiv Kumar remains on the run. Neither had a criminal record in their hometown, but sources indicate they aimed to gain notoriety by associating with the Bishnoi gang, a connection allegedly forged during their time in a Punjab jail. 

The suspects had been monitoring Mr Siddique for months, conducting reconnaissance of his residence and office, police said. The police revealed that the suspects had been paid Rs 50,000 each in advance for the hit and that arms had been delivered to them only days before the assassination.

Both arrested suspects are now in police custody, and the hunt for the others continues. Mumbai Police have also heightened the security around Salman Khan’s residence – the site at which a shooting incident took place. 

On the night of April 14, Mumbai’s Bandra neighbourhood was rocked by the sound of gunfire as two men on motorbikes fired multiple rounds outside Mr Khan’s residence. The accused, associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, were charged with conspiracy to murder and other grave offences. 

According to the charge sheet, the Bishnoi gang had issued a contract worth Rs 25 lakh to assassinate the actor. The plan was hatched over several months, from August 2023 to April 2024.

Mr Siddique enjoyed comradeship across party lines, therefore, his killing has drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, with senior politicians offering condolences while expressing outrage over the escalating violence in Maharashtra.

READ | Strongman To Bollywood Mediator, Baba Siddique Beyond Lavish Iftar Parties

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was among the first to react, calling Mr Siddique’s murder “shocking beyond words.” In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Kharge said, “The tragic demise of former Maharashtra Minister, Baba Siddique, is shocking beyond words. In this hour of grief, I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and supporters. Justice must be ensured, and the present Maharashtra government must order a thorough and transparent investigation. The culprits must be brought to book at the earliest. Accountability is paramount.”

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed similar sentiments. 

“The tragic demise of Baba Siddique ji is shocking and saddening. My thoughts are with his family in this difficult time. This horrifying incident exposes the complete collapse of law and order in Maharashtra. The government must take responsibility, and justice must prevail,” Mr Gandhi wrote about his former colleague on X. 

The murder has triggered a political slugfest between the BJP and Opposition parties. While the BJP has asked not to politicise the murder, the Opposition, Congress in particular, has claimed a “complete collapse of law and order in Maharashtra”. 

New Delhi:

Baba Siddique, 66, a former three-time MLA from Bandra West and member of the Ajit Pawar faction of the National Congress Party (NCP), was shot dead last night in Bandra East, Mumbai. At least six bullets were fired at Mr Siddique near his son Zeeshan’s office and four hit him in the chest. Three men carried out the shooting during Dussehra festivities. The two suspects arrested in the killing of Mr Siddique have claimed they belong to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, said sources. However, the gang is yet to take responsibility for the murder, which was carried out despite the minister having the ‘Y’ security. Cops suspect it to be contract killing.

Here are the latest developments after Baba Siddique’s murder:

Bishnoi Gang Killed Baba Siddique?
Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang claims responsibility for former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique’s murder.

Strongman To Bollywood Mediator, Baba Siddique’s Flamboyant Life

Baba Siddique’s Death: “Opposition Should Politicise This”, Says Ajit Pawar
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar said the opposition should not politicise the death f of Baba Siddique. “He was also in the Congress.” The remarks come after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised questions over the law and order situation in Maharashtra.

“The government must take responsibility, and justice must prevail,” he said.

“The police are investigating,” said Mr Pawar. Sharing details of the last rites, he said, “In a short while, the body will be taken to his house for people to pay their last respects. He will be buried at 8.30 pm in the Bada Kabristan in Marine Lines.”

Latest Update On Three Shooters
Shiva Gautam, the third accused on a run, was working with a scrap dealer in Pune for about six years. A couple of months ago, he had invited Dharamraj, one of the three accused, to Pune for work. The person who gave the contract of Baba Siddique’s murder arranged a meeting between the three shooters – Shiva, Dharmaraj and Gurmail. A case of murder is also registered against Gurmail. No criminal record of the other two accused has been found so far.

23-year-old Gurmail Baljit Singh is a resident of Haryana, 19-year-old Dharamraj Rajesh Kashyap belongs to Uttar Pradesh and Shiva Gautam is also from Uttar Pradesh.

Baba Siddique Death: “Justice Must Prevail”, Says Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the killing of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique ‘exposed’ the collapse of law and order in Maharashtra. “The government must take responsibility, and justice must prevail,” he said.

In a post on X, he wrote: “The tragic demise of Baba Siddique ji is shocking and saddening. My thoughts are with his family in this difficult time.”

The tragic demise of Baba Siddique ji is shocking and saddening. My thoughts are with his family in this difficult time.

This horrifying incident exposes the complete collapse of law and order in Maharashtra. The government must take responsibility, and justice must prevail.

– Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 13, 2024

Ajit Pawar Meet Baba Siddique’s Son Zeeshan Siddique
Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra met Baba Siddique’s son Zeeshan Siddique, following his murder. Baba Siddique was the member of the Ajit Pawar faction of the National Congress Party (NCP).

Two Accused Arrested In Baba Siddique Murder To Be Presented In Killa Court At 12
Both the accused arrested in Baba Siddique’s murder case will be presented in Killa Court at 12 pm. Their medical checkup will be done in GT Hospital.

Two men – Gurmail Baljit Singh, 23, from Haryana and Dharamraj Rajesh Kashyap, 19, from Uttar Pradesh – have been arrested while the third, Shiva Gautam from Uttar Pradesh remains on the run.

Zeeshan Siddique Posts About Baba Siddique’s Death, Informs About Burial

*Inna lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raji’un*

With Immense Grief, We inform you that Our Beloved *Shri. Baba Siddique*, Father of MLA *Shri. Zeeshan Baba Siddique* & *Dr. Arshia Siddique* & Husband of *Mrs. Shehzeen Siddique* has left for his Heavenly Abode.

Namaz E Janaza – Today…

– Zeeshan Siddique (@zeeshan_iyc) October 13, 2024

This Was Baba Siddique’s Last Post Before He Was Shot Dead
Two days before his shocking murder, Baba Siddique had posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, honouring the late industrialist Ratan Tata, who died on October 9 at age 86. In his post, Mr Siddique described Ratan Tata’s death as the “End of an Era.”

Baba Siddique Shot Dead: Ex-Minister Received Death Threat 15 Days Ago
Sources close to Baba Siddique claim he had received a death threat 15 days ago and was given the ‘Y’ category security cover. Mr Siddique, however, did not report any threat from the Bishnoi gang, according to the police.

Visuals From The Spot Where NCP Leader Baba Siddiqui Was Shot

State Funeral For Baba Siddique
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered a state funeral with full government honuors for former Minister of State Baba Siddique.

How Baba Siddique’s Murder Was Carried Out
The three accused arrived at the shooting spot in an auto rickshaw and waited for a while before the shooting took place, added the sources in the crime branch. Police believe someone else was providing them with information about Mr Siddique’s location.

Baba Siddique’s Murder: Planning And Plotting
The three accused received weapons a few days before the planned shooting through a human courier, according to the sources. The three shooters have been living in a rented house in Kurla for the past two months, for ₹ 14,000 per month. Reportedly, the shooters were paid ₹ 3 lakh in advance, to execute the murder. The money was to be divided between four people who took the contract for the murder.During their interrogation by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, which lasted for seven hours, the two arrested suspects claimed they had been conducting a recce of the shooting spot in Bandra East for nearly a month, said sources. They also recced Mr Siddique’s home and office much in advance.

Baba Siddique Shooters Claim To Be From Lawrence Bishnoi Gang: Sources
The two suspects arrested in the killing of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique have claimed they belong to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, said sources. Cops are yet to verify this claim while the gang is yet to admit responsibility for the murder that has sparked security concerns ahead of the Maharashtra state elections.

Baba Siddique Murder: Ajit Pawar “Shocked”, Lost A “Good Colleague, Friend”
Soon after Baba Siddique was declared dead, Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra took to X (formerly Twitter) and expressed grief over the death of former minister.

” I was shocked to know that he died in this incident. I have lost my good colleague, friend. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack. I offer my heartfelt tributes to Baba Siddiqui,” he wrote.

The incident will be thoroughly investigated and strict action will be taken against the attackers, he said. “The mastermind behind the attack will also be traced.”

Extending condolences to the family, he said, “With the demise of Baba Siddiqui, we have lost a good leader who fought for the minority brothers and strived for pan-religious harmony. His death is a big loss for NCP. I share in the grief of Zeeshan Siddiqui, Siddiqui family and their workers.

राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेसचे नेते, माजी राज्यमंत्री, विधिमंडळात प्रदीर्घकाळ राहिलेले माझे सहकारी बाबा सिद्दीकी यांच्यावर झालेल्या गोळीबाराची घटना अत्यंत दुर्दैवी, निषेधार्ह आणि वेदनादायी आहे. या घटनेत त्यांचं निधन झाल्याचं समजून मला धक्का बसला. मी माझा चांगला सहकारी, मित्र गमावला आहे….

– Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) October 12, 2024

Gang-War-Like Situation Should Not Resurface In Mumbai: CM Eknath Shinde
“I have asked the police to take strict action and ensure no one takes law and order into their hands. A gang-war-like situation should not be allowed to resurface in Mumbai,” said Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Marathi.

Baba Siddique Death: Body Shifted To Cooper Hospital For Postmortem
Former Minister Baba Siddique was rushed to the Lilavati Hospital’s emergency medical services at 9.30 pm in an unresponsive condition with no pulse, no cardiac activity, and no blood pressure, officials from the medical facility told news agency PTI.

He had lost a lot of blood. He was shifted to the ICU in an attempt to save him but was declared dead at 11.27 pm. This morning, around 6 am, Mr Siddique’s body was shifted to Cooper Hospital for postmortem.

Baba Siddique Death: Two Of The Three Accused Arrested
Baba Siddique was shot dead between 9:15 pm and 9:30 pm on Saturday near Zeeshan, his son’s office in Bandra East. Two men – 23-year-old Gurmail Baljit Singh from Haryana and 19-year-old Dharamraj Rajesh Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh – were arrested while the third shooter, Shiv Kumar remains on the run. Mumbai police have sought the help of Haryana and UP police for details on the two arrested accused.

Minister Baba Siddique Shot Dead
Baba Siddique, 66, a prominent politician from the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party and a former three-time MLA from Bandra East, was shot dead in Bandra last night.