Mumbai Crime Branch has identified a fourth suspect named Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar, involved in the killing of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, according to reports. A third suspect, Pravin Lonkar, was arrested in Pune on Sunday evening. Baba Siddique was gunned down in a brazen attack on October 12, sending shockwaves through the political landscape and beyond.
Who Is Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar?
The suspect, Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar is reportedly believed to have coordinated with the shooters from outside, providing crucial information on Siddique’s location and logistical support including arranging rental accommodations for them.
Background: Akhtar is a resident of Shakar village in Nakodar, Jalandhar. He was arrested earlier in 2022 for cases related to organized crime, murder, and robbery, and was released on June 7, 2024. While being lodged in Patiala Jail, he received instructions from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to kill Siddique, Times Now quotes sources as saying.
Also Read: Baba Siddique Murder Accused Claims To Be Minor, Court Orders Bone Test for Age Verification
The NCP leader was shot outside his son Zeeshan’s office in Bandra East by three assailants. Siddique, 66, was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to the injuries. He was cremated with full state honors at Bada Qabrastan on Sunday.
Gang Claims Responsibility
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for killing Siddique, a day after the incident took place. Shubham Lonkar, a close associate of the gang took to social media to claim responsibility of the attack.
Other Suspects Arrested
Mumbai police arrested accused Gurmail Baljit Singh from Haryana and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh. While one fled the scene.
As the probe continued, 28-year-old Pravin Lonkar was arrested from Pune on Sunday. He is the brother of Shubham Lonkar and is suspected of plotting to murder Siddique with Kashyap and Shivkumar Gautam.
The case was lodged at the Nirmal Nagar Police Station by the Mumbai Crime Branch under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, and the Maharashtra Police Act.
Also Read: Baba Siddique Murder Case: Third Suspect Arrested From Pune In NCP Leader’s Killing
