The Mumbai police have made a significant arrest in the investigation into the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui, taking the total number of arrests to three. Pravin Lonkar, a 28-year-old resident of Pune, has been apprehended for his alleged role in the crime. Lonkar is accused of being a “co-conspirator” in the murder, alongside his brother, Shubham Lonkar, who remains at large.
The investigation has revealed a chilling connection to the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi gang. According to officials, Pravin and Shubham allegedly “enlisted” two of the three shooters who carried out the murder – Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap and Shivkumar Gautam. While Kashyap has been apprehended, Gautam is still on the run. The third shooter, Gurmail Baljit Singh, was also arrested earlier.
The motive behind the murder, according to a social media post believed to be authored by a Bishnoi associate, Shubham Rameshwar Lonkar, stems from Siddiqui’s alleged connections to India’s most wanted terrorist, Dawood Ibrahim, and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The post claims that Siddiqui’s death was a result of his association with both men, and that it was retaliation for the death of Anuj Thapan, a suspect in the shooting outside Khan’s house. Thapan, found dead in police custody, was allegedly tortured, according to his family.
The Bishnoi gang, known for its violent activities, has been linked to attacks against individuals perceived to be close to Salman Khan. In November 2023, shots were fired at Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal’s house in Vancouver, allegedly in retaliation for Grewal’s support of Khan. Similarly, in September, shots were fired near another Punjabi singer, AP Dhillon’s home, with the Bishnoi gang claiming responsibility.
Authorities are investigating the social media post claiming responsibility for Siddiqui’s murder and are exploring the alleged connections between Siddiqui, Dawood Ibrahim, and Salman Khan. The investigation is ongoing and is likely to reveal more details about the motive behind the murder and the extent of the Bishnoi gang’s involvement.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Imran Masood, speaking on the arrests, criticized the government for its failure to protect Siddiqui, who had previously received death threats. Masood pointed out the alleged involvement of the Bishnoi gang, questioning the government’s ability to control criminal activities, even those orchestrated from within jails. This murder case has once again brought to light the challenges faced by authorities in combating organized crime and ensuring the safety of individuals, particularly those in positions of influence.
