Mumbai: In a shocking turn of events following the murder of Baba Siddique, a photograph of his son, NCP MLA Zeeshan Siddique, was discovered on the phone of one of the accused. This photo, reportedly sent via Snapchat by the conspirators’ handler, has raised serious concerns regarding potential threats to Zeeshan’s safety.
Baba Siddique was shot dead near his office on October 12, 2024, allegedly due to a contract orchestrated by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Shubham Lonkar, a key figure in the conspiracy, has been linked to the gang and reportedly provided weapons to the shooters. According to the police, the initial contract for the assassination included a demand for ₹1 crore, although details of the payments remain murky.
The investigation revealed that Lonkar had intended to eliminate both Baba and Zeeshan Siddique, with the shooters chosen for their ignorance of Baba’s prominence. It was reported that they received a flex banner and a photograph of Baba to aid in identification. The police have arrested nine individuals connected to the murder, including two shooters, while three others remain at large.
Additionally, the Mumbai police have faced scrutiny over security measures for Baba Siddique, who had received threats before his death. Despite being granted Y-category security, only one constable was present at the time of the shooting, and he has since been suspended for failing to act amid the chaos, which was exacerbated by smoke released to conceal the gunfire.
Residents and political leaders are now expressing alarm over the apparent rise in gang-related violence in Mumbai. The police are continuing their investigation, aiming to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and prevent further attacks.
