A major breakthrough has occurred in the investigation of the Baba Siddique murder case with the arrest of Zeeshan Akhtar in Canada. Akhtar, a key conspirator in the assassination of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, was apprehended by Canadian authorities, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of justice for the high-profile crime.
Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead on October 12, 2024, in Bandra, Mumbai. The incident sent shockwaves through the political sphere and prompted an intensive police investigation. Initial findings revealed links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, leading to multiple arrests and uncovering a complex web of conspiracy.
According to police reports, the murder contract was allegedly given by Anmol Bishnoi, brother of the jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, to Zeeshan Akhtar and another accomplice, Shubham Lonkar. The Bishnoi gang has been under scrutiny for its involvement in various criminal activities, and this case has further highlighted their alleged role in political assassinations.
Zeeshan Akhtar's arrest in Canada occurred due to a fake passport case. The authorities are now working to extradite him to India, where he will face further interrogation and legal proceedings related to the murder. Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam confirmed the arrest and stated that the government has initiated the process to bring Akhtar back to India for further investigation.
So far, law enforcement agencies have arrested over 25 individuals linked to the case, including key figures believed to have orchestrated the killing. The capture of Akhtar is particularly significant as he is believed to have been evading Indian authorities using forged travel documents.
Baba Siddique's son, Zeeshan Siddique, an MLA, has alleged the involvement of builders and political figures with stakes in slum rehabilitation (SRA) projects in Bandra as potential conspirators. His statement has been included in the police charge sheet, indicating a broad scope of investigation into various angles and potential motives behind the murder.
The Mumbai Police have alleged that Anmol Bishnoi orchestrated the killing to establish his dominance in Mumbai's underworld. According to the police charge sheet, Anmol Bishnoi had contracted Zeeshan Akhtar and Shubham Lonkar to carry out the murder.
Following the arrest of the other assailants, Dharmaraj Kashyap and Gurmail Singh, a larger crackdown led to the arrest of 24 others. The main shooter, Shivkumar Gautam, allegedly fired six rounds, three of which hit Siddique’s upper body, leading to his death at Lilavati Hospital.
Zeeshan Akhtar, also known as Jassi or Yasin Akhtar, had been identified earlier as a key suspect involved in coordinating with the shooters and providing logistical support, including information on Siddique's location and arranging accommodations. He has a criminal history, including prior arrests in 2022 for organized crime, murder, and robbery. He was released from custody just months before Baba Siddique's murder.
With the extradition process underway, Indian authorities are hopeful that Zeeshan Akhtar's interrogation will provide crucial insights into the full extent of the conspiracy and the motives behind Baba Siddique's murder. The arrest marks a significant step towards bringing all those involved to justice and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for the assassination.
