Baba Siddique Murder Investigation: Details Emerge about the Killers’ Training and Motives
The investigation into the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique has taken a significant turn as Mumbai police uncover new details about the shooters involved. Three gunmen, suspected to be part of a larger criminal plot, conducted target practice near a waterfall in the Raigad district prior to carrying out the assassination. Authorities revealed that the practice took place in Palasdhari, located in the Karjat tehsil, during September. The suspects, Dharmaraj Kashyap and Gurmail Singh, have been apprehended, while a third gunman, Shivkumar Gautam, remains on the run.
The plot was initially orchestrated as a contract killing by a five-member group based in Thane, with Nitin Sapre and Ram Kanoujia at the helm. The original plan was to eliminate Siddique, who was a prominent political figure in Maharashtra. The firearms used for the crime were obtained from Rajasthan, with Bhagwat Singh Om Singh assisting Kanoujia in sourcing the weapons. However, disagreements within the group over the payment amount of Rs 50 lakh and Siddique’s substantial political clout led to the original hitmen withdrawing from the contract. Despite stepping back, they continued to aid in logistical arrangements and provided essential support to those carrying out the actual attack.
Kashyap and Gautam, who hail from Uttar Pradesh, had stayed in the Karjat region from mid-August, aided by members of the original contract group. Utilizing their knowledge of the area’s geography, they selected a secluded waterfall site for their shooting practice, ensuring privacy while honing their skills. Sapre and Kanoujia remained in communication with other key figures still at large, including Shubham Lonkar and Mohammed Zeeshan Akhtar, further deepening the conspiracy.
Following the murder, the police have managed to arrest ten individuals connected to the case, but the search for Gautam, Lonkar, and Akhtar continues. To prevent the suspects from fleeing the country, authorities have issued a look-out circular. The investigation remains ongoing, with multiple possible motives being explored, including financial disputes, political rivalries, and threats related to redevelopment projects in the city.
The choice of Karjat for the training appears to be a strategic one, as the area’s remote spots allowed the shooters to practice without drawing attention. This planned preparation underscores the deliberate nature of the attack. Reports from the Mumbai police crime branch suggest that the murder was well-coordinated, with every step meticulously planned out over several months.
The crime, which took place on October 12, shocked the political landscape, and investigators are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for justice. The crime branch is diligently working to piece together the chain of events leading up to the attack, examining all potential leads and connections. The involvement of various individuals points towards a sophisticated network with deeper layers yet to be uncovered.
While the arrests so far represent progress, police officials acknowledge that the investigation is far from over. There is a concerted effort to understand the full scope of the conspiracy, as it appears to involve several elements of organized crime. Additionally, the authorities are examining any links to past threats Siddique may have faced, as well as any business dealings that could have created enemies. The potential role of underworld figures has also not been ruled out.
As law enforcement continues to dig deeper, the case reflects the intricate web of crime and politics that occasionally surfaces in high-profile assassinations. The apprehension of the remaining suspects could provide crucial insights into the motive behind Siddique’s killing. Meanwhile, the family and supporters of the late politician are calling for swift justice and accountability for all those involved.