In a new development in NCP leader Baba Siddique’s murder case, as per Hindustan Times report, Mumbai Crime Branch has issued a look-out circular (LOC) for absconding Shivkumar Gautam, Lawrence Bishnoi gang members Shubham Lonkar and Jalandhar-based history sheeter Mohammad Zeeshan Akthar. This has been done to prevent their possible escape from the country. Shiv Kumar Gautam presented himself as a gangster and was an active social media user. He has no criminal history but is now sought in the killing of Siddique.
Former Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique was shot dead on Saturday in Bandra East, outside his son, Zeeshan Siddique’s office. Mumbai police at once had begun investigation and arrested two individuals initially. Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the murder case of Baba Siddique now. As per the police, three have been arrested so far in the case.
What Is Look-Out Circulars?
Look-out circulars are issued by law enforcement authorities against absconding criminals to prevent them from fleeing the country. It is issued against the person who have a criminal record and are under investigation. The objective of the Look Out Notice/Circular is to ensure that the person accused or wanted should be available in India at all times, to join and co-operate investigation, and be available to stand trail and face charges against him. It is usually issued against people involved in financial crime. It is issued to identify and track individuals at entry and exit points. When a person’s name is put under look-out circular, then he/she can be detained at the airport, port and is not permitted to travel out of India.
As quoted by Money Control, “Although there is no statute which governs the issuance of an LOC, circulars and guidelines issued by the MHA govern the issuance of LOC,” said Amit Jajoo, Partner at Induslaw. He added that these guidelines are revised from time to time.
LOC is generally issued by the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs, but certain agencies are also authorised to request the issuance of LOCs. The agencies which can request the issuance of Look-out circular are Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Customs and Income Tax Department.
Another legal partner, Simranjeet Singh told Money Control that until 2010, LOCs could be issued primarily in cases where cognisable offences were alleged to have been committed or had been committed under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or other penal laws.
For its issuance, the Investigating Officer is required to make a written request for LOC to the officer as notified by the circular of Ministry of Home Affairs, he has to mention the reasons for seeking LOC.
The person against whom LOC is issued must join investigation by appearing before investigating officer or should surrender before the court concerned or should satisfy the court that LOC was wrongly issued against him.
Generally, look-out circular is issued for a period of one year, unless exceeded further by the authorities.
