Key Suspect Gautam Shivkumar Arrested in Baba Siddique Murder Case
In a significant breakthrough, Mumbai Police, along with the Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF), successfully apprehended Gautam Shivkumar, the prime suspect in the murder of senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique. Siddique was fatally shot in Mumbai on October 12. Gautam was captured in Nanpara, Uttar Pradesh, near the Nepal border as he attempted to flee the country. The arrest marked a turning point in the investigation, which had pointed to the involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Gautam’s escape strategy was elaborate but ultimately foiled by police surveillance and quick action. Following Siddique’s assassination, Gautam reportedly fled the crime scene in Mumbai and headed to Kurla before boarding a local train to Thane. From there, he traveled to Pune and then took a train to Lucknow, all the while evading detection. Throughout his journey, Gautam cleverly avoided using his own phone, instead relying on the devices of fellow travelers to communicate with his handlers and check for updates on the fallout of Siddique’s death. After confirming that Siddique had succumbed to his injuries, he moved toward Bahraich, where he hid in a remote village near the Nepal border.
The breakthrough in the case came when authorities noticed unusual behavior among Gautam’s close associates. Surveillance revealed that these friends were buying clothing of varying sizes and making plans to rendezvous with him in a secluded area roughly 10 kilometers from Nanpara. They stayed in frequent contact through internet calls made on recently purchased mobile devices, which further raised suspicion. Law enforcement agencies closely monitored these activities and movements, leading to the discovery that the group was attempting to aid Gautam’s escape into Nepal.
As police intensified their surveillance, it became evident that Gautam’s associates were tech-savvy and meticulous. They had procured multiple sets of clothes and motorcycles for a planned meeting with Gautam. On the day of his capture, law enforcement intercepted the group on a bridge outside Nanpara, leading to their detention. The interrogation of these men enabled police to zero in on Gautam’s hideout. He was subsequently arrested without incident.
During his arrest, it was revealed that Gautam had been offered substantial incentives for the murder. Reports indicated that he and his accomplices were promised ₹25 lakh, a vehicle, and a trip to Dubai. This added another layer of complexity to the investigation, highlighting the broader criminal nexus orchestrated by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The Mumbai Crime Branch and the STF are now delving deeper into the financial transactions and weapons procurement linked to the crime, aiming to uncover all those involved in planning and executing the assassination.
Baba Siddique, known for his long political career and prominence in Mumbai’s NCP circles, had been a target due to various political and personal rivalries. His killing shook the political landscape and triggered an extensive law enforcement response to track down those responsible. The swift and collaborative action by multiple police agencies underscored the commitment to resolving this high-profile case and bringing justice to Siddique’s family and supporters.
Gautam’s arrest represents a major milestone, but the investigation is ongoing. Authorities continue to probe the full extent of the plot, including potential ties to other criminal activities planned by the Bishnoi gang. The hope is that further inquiries will dismantle the network responsible for orchestrating this and other crimes, ensuring accountability and enhanced security for public figures targeted by criminal enterprises.