The investigation into the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique has brought to light the meticulous planning behind the assassination. The operation involved acquiring a significant stockpile of bullets, firearms training via YouTube, and a detailed getaway plan that was ultimately thwarted by unforeseen circumstances.
So far, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder. Among them are Gurmail Baljit Singh (23) from Haryana, Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap (19) from Uttar Pradesh, both identified as the shooters, along with Harishkumar Balakram Nisad (23) and Pune resident Pravin Lonkar, who is alleged to be a co-conspirator.
Nisad and Kashyap hail from the same village as the wanted accused Shivkumar Gautam, another significant figure in the plot. According to police sources quoted by the NDTV, Singh and Kashyap were armed with 65 bullets, ensuring they had enough ammunition for the attack. On the night of October 12, six bullets were fired, leading to Siddique’s death outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Nirmal Nagar, Bandra.
Recovery of Firearms
Authorities recovered two firearms used in the attack — an Austrian-made pistol and a locally-manufactured country-made gun. The shooters were found in possession of 28 live bullets at the time of their arrest.
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Additionally, police discovered a black bag containing a Turkish-made 7.62 bore pistol, 30 live rounds, and two Aadhaar cards near the crime scene. The cards, registered under different names, both bore the photo of prime suspect Shivkumar Gautam.
Failed Motorbike Escape Plan
Originally, the suspects intended to carry out the assassination using a motorbike for a quick getaway. However, a traffic accident derailed these plans, forcing them to change their strategy. Instead, the group traveled to the crime scene by auto-rickshaw, later changing clothes to avoid detection.
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Harishkumar Nisad had previously transferred Rs 60,000 to purchase a motorbike for the operation, of which Rs 32,000 was used to buy a second-hand vehicle.
Ongoing Manhunt for Shubham Lonkar
One of the prime suspects still at large is Shubham Lonkar, allegedly a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Mumbai Police have issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) as Lonkar is believed to be attempting to flee to Nepal. His photographs have been circulated at border checkpoints in an effort to apprehend him.
Lonkar remained active on social media until just days before the murder, with reports suggesting responsibility for the killing was claimed on his Facebook profile. His brother, Praveen Lonkar, has been arrested for providing financial aid to the assassins.
YouTube Training and Firearm Practice
Investigators revealed that the shooters learned to operate firearms by watching YouTube tutorials. In preparation for the murder, they rented a house in Mumbai’s Kurla area, where they practiced handling the weapons. With no open space available, the accused engaged in dry practice drills using unloaded guns.
The plot also involved Shivkumar Gautam, who had prior experience with firearms from celebratory firings at weddings in Uttar Pradesh. Gautam trained Kashyap and Singh in firearm handling and coordinated the plan via social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram to avoid police surveillance.
Gang Involvement
Shubham Lonkar, who remains on the run, has a history of arms-related crimes. He was arrested earlier this year under the Arms Act in Maharashtra’s Akola district, where more than ten firearms were seized. Police are now focusing on tracking his whereabouts as the manhunt intensifies.
As the investigation continues, authorities are uncovering more layers to the plot that led to the assassination of Baba Siddique, a crime that has shaken the political and law enforcement communities alike.
