Bandra, Mumbai – The shocking assassination of Baba Siddique, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Ajit Pawar party, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Mumbai. Siddique was shot dead on Saturday night around 9:30 PM by three assailants who reportedly had prior criminal records and connections to a notorious gang. Despite being under Y-level security, the circumstances surrounding his death raise serious questions about the effectiveness of protection and the motives behind the attack.
During a recent hearing in vacation court, Public Prosecutor Gautam Gaikwad revealed critical information regarding the murder, including that the attackers were allegedly paid between ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh for the hit, which was reportedly contracted while the assailants were incarcerated in Haryana. The police stated that the attackers, identified as Gurmel Singh, Dharmaraj Kashyap, and Gautam, were in contact with members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang while serving time in jail. The court heard that the attackers had lived in Mumbai and Pune prior to the murder, indicating a level of planning and premeditation.
Prosecutor Gaikwad emphasized the need for further investigation into who supplied the weapon and vehicle used in the crime, as well as any possible connections to foreign gangs. “They had rightly targeted Siddiqui. We need to ascertain if they received training and who funded the entire operation,” Gaikwad stated. In a detailed account provided to the court, police officials revealed that the two arrested suspects had been living in Kurla for a month, paying a rent of ₹14,000.
As the investigation continues, efforts are being made to locate two additional suspects who are currently at large, with teams dispatched to Pune, Haryana, Delhi, and Ujjain. The court has ordered that 17-year-old Dharmaraj Kashyap undergo a bone test to confirm his age, following his claim during the hearing. Both arrested suspects are now in police custody, with further interrogations by the Mumbai Crime Branch expected to shed more light on this high-profile case. As the investigation unfolds, the motive behind this brazen assassination remains a focal point, leaving many unanswered questions in its wake.
