Mumbai, October 13: Baba Siddique, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and former Maharashtra minister, was allegedly shot in Mumbai's Bandra on Saturday evening, October 12. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Soon after the incident, the police arrested two people in connection with the NCP leader's murder. It is reported that one person is from Haryana while the other is from Uttar Pradesh. The arrested accused have been identified as Gurmail Singh and Dharamraj Kashyap while a third suspect continues to remain at large.

2 Arrested in Connection with Baba Siddique's Murder

While the alleged murder of Baba Siddique has sent shockwaves across the country, especially Maharashtra, it is learned that the two arrested accused claimed they belonged to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Officials said that both the shooters admitted to their affiliation with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang during interrogation. However, the police have yet to verify the claim, while the Bishnoi gang has not claimed any responsibility for Baba Siddique's murder so far. Baba Siddique Murder Case: Trial of NCP Leader's Murder Case To Take Place in Fast-Track Court, Says Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde.

How Baba Siddique's Murder Unfolded on October 12

News reports also claimed that the accused arrived in Mumbai nearly a month ago for the alleged contract killing. It is learned that the two arrested accused said that their accommodation was also arranged by a person who is said to be the conspirator behind Baba Siddique's killing. Reports also alleged that the accused received an advance payment to kill the NCP leader. However, the details about the amount remain undisclosed.

Accused Planned to Assassinate NCP Leader and Escape

It is also learned that the three accused conducted a recce of the shooting spot in Bandra East and Siddique's residence and office for nearly a month. The suspects also conducted extensive surveillance on Zeeshan Siddique's office. On the day of the incident, the accused arrived at the crime scene in Bandra East via an auto rickshaw. After waiting for some time, the trio executed their plan of killing Baba Siddique. It is also alleged that the trio's plan was to assassinate Baba Siddique and escape from the spot. Baba Siddique Shot Dead in Mumbai: NCP Leader Sustained 2 Gunshot Wounds, Succumbed Despite Efforts, Say Lilavati Hospital Doctors (Watch Video).

Siddique's Close Relationship With Salman Khan Reason for His Murder?

However, their plan took a hit when locals nabbed two of them. Cops also suspect the alleged involvement of a fourth person, who they believe was providing the accused with information about Siddique's whereabouts. As per reports, the police are investigating the case from the Bishnoi gang and slum rehabilitation case angle. Cops are also probing the possible involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, as Baba Siddique shared a close relationship with Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who received threats from Bishnoi's associates in the past.

Earlier, Rohit Godara, who is said to be a close aide of Lawrence Bishnoi, had claimed that anyone who was Salman Khan's friend was their enemy. Meanwhile, it is also learned that Baba Siddique had received a threat to his life 15 days ago, following which his security was beefed up to the Y category.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 13, 2024 09:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).