The investigation into the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique took a significant turn on Monday as the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested Shubham Lonkar in Pune. Shubham is the brother of Pravin Lonkar, who had previously claimed on social media that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang had taken responsibility for the killing.
The arrest comes after the Mumbai police apprehended Pravin Lonkar earlier, alleging his involvement in enlisting two of the three shooters involved in Siddiqui’s murder. According to reports, Pravin and Shubham allegedly recruited Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap and Shivkumar Gautam, both from Uttar Pradesh, as shooters. While Gautam remains at large, Kashyap and another alleged shooter, Gurmail Baljit Singh, have been apprehended.
Police believe that Shubham Lonkar is currently absconding. They have stated that Pravin Lonkar provided shelter to both arrested accused in Pune.
The murder of Baba Siddique, a prominent Muslim leader known for his close ties to Bollywood stars like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Sanjay Dutt, has sent shockwaves through the city. He was ambushed by three individuals near his son’s office in Bandra, Mumbai on Saturday night. The police investigation is exploring multiple motives for the killing, including contract killing, business rivalry, and threats related to a slum rehabilitation project.
In the wake of this high-profile murder, the Congress party has demanded a thorough investigation and called for the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, citing their alleged failure to maintain law and order. The opposition party has raised concerns about a deteriorating law and order situation in the state, suggesting the government may be delaying elections through such incidents.
The murder has also highlighted the potential involvement of organized crime in Mumbai. Earlier this year, members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang were arrested for firing shots outside actor Salman Khan’s residence.
The Mumbai police are investigating the case from multiple angles, and a team from Delhi Police’s Special Cell has been dispatched to assist in the investigation. Chief Minister Shinde has assured the public that the police will ensure that no one takes the law into their own hands and that gang wars will not be allowed to resurface in the city.
The assassination of Baba Siddique is the first high-profile political murder in Mumbai in the last three decades. The investigation continues, with the Mumbai police determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
