Baba Siddique murder: What we know so far about the attack on the NCP leader

Baba Siddique Murder: On Sunday night, NCP leader Baba Siddique was laid to rest with full state honors in Maharashtra. The funeral left Siddique’s son, Zeeshan Siddique, inconsolable at the October 13 funeral prayers.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police is investigating the murder of former Maharashtra MLA Siddique from multiple angles. So far, police have suggested a possible contract killing, business rivalry or threats related to a slum rehabilitation project.

The 66-year-old NCP leader was shot by three assailants in Bandra, Mumbai, on Saturday night. He was killed outside his son Zeeshan’s office and taken to the emergency services of Lilavati Hospital at 9:30 pm in a critical condition. Siddique was pronounced dead at 11:27 p.m.

On being declared dead, Siddique’s body was immediately shifted from Lilavati Hospital to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem on Sunday morning. The incident shocked the state and raised concerns about law and order, specifically in the city of Mumbai. Furthermore, the timing of the incident is interesting, when legislative elections are expected in a month’s time.

Fourth accused identified: Mumbai Police on Sunday identified a fourth accused in the case. The person was providing support to the shooters outside, police confirmed. Police said another suspect in the NCP leader’s murder has been arrested from Pune, identified as Pravin Lonkar, 28, brother of Shubham Lonkar.

According to the police investigation, Pravin Lonkar is considered a conspirator in the case and was involved with Shubham in recruiting Dharamraj Kashyap and Shiv Kumar Gautam for the plot.

Further, an ossification test was ordered for the second accused Dharamraj Kashyap and Gurmail Baljit Singh was sent to the police till October 21.

How Baba Siddique was killed: The forensic team and police report reviewed CCTV footage which shows the attackers used a 9.9mm pistol. The attackers fired four to five shots during a Durga visarjan procession and took advantage of the noise of fireworks.

A total of six shots were fired, of which three hit Baba Siddique.

The accused also reconnoitred Siddique’s house and office, were in Mumbai for one and a half to two months and kept a close eye on him.

Suspicion about the Lawrence Bishnoi gang: While the police are still investigating the exact motive behind Siddique’s murder, some social media posts claim that the attack was by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The police are checking the authenticity.

Taking responsibility on social media, a Facebook account called Shubuu Lonkar wrote, “Salman Khan, we didn’t want this war, but you have harmed our brother. Baba Siddique’s chapter is closed today, or he was once under MCOCA Aja with Dawood.”

(With contributions from agencies)