The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested two individuals involved in the assassination of NCP leader Baba Siddique. The shooters, identified as Gurmail Baljit Singh from Haryana and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh, were apprehended as part of an ongoing investigation. A third accomplice remains on the run, with authorities intensifying efforts to locate him.
Shooters Linked to Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
During interrogation, both men admitted their affiliation with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. They revealed that they arrived in Mumbai 25 to 30 days prior to the attack, with their accommodation arranged by a yet-to-be-identified conspirator. The duo received an advance payment for the contract killing, though the Crime Branch has not disclosed the amount.
The shooters spent nearly a month conducting surveillance on Siddique’s home and office, as well as on Jeesan Siddique’s premises, before executing the attack. All three suspects were seen arriving in Bandra East, the site of the shooting, via auto rickshaw.
Eyewitnesses stated that the suspects waited for a prolonged period before carrying out the murder, suggesting premeditation. The plan, reportedly, was to assassinate Siddique and flee with their identities obscured by cloth coverings. However, locals intervened, thwarting their escape.
Ongoing Investigations Hint at Fourth Accomplice
Crime Branch officials suspect a fourth individual may have been involved, providing the shooters with critical information. Investigators are now working to confirm this theory and uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.
It has also been revealed that the firearm used in the murder was delivered to the shooters by an arms dealer a few days prior. Payment for the weapon had already been arranged by the conspirator, further highlighting the intricate planning behind the killing.
Shooters Stayed in Rented House in Kurla
Since September 2, the shooters had been residing in a rented house in Kurla, Mumbai, paying Rs 14,000 per month. The contract killing was valued between Rs 2.5 and 3 lakh, with each of the four individuals involved set to receive Rs 50,000, while the remaining funds were allocated for operational costs.
Three of the accused had previously served time together in a Punjab jail, where they became affiliated with the Bishnoi gang. This connection ultimately led them to participate in the murder.
Crime Branch Deploys Teams to Track Remaining Suspects
Teams from the Crime Branch have been dispatched to multiple locations, including Ujjain, Delhi, and Haryana, to track down the remaining suspects and gather further information. Investigators are continuing to probe the involvement of the absconding suspect and any additional conspirators.