Who Killed Baba Siddiqui? Probe Leads To Haryana-UP-Punjab-Pune | Top Points

Mumbai: The murder of Baba Siddique, a prominent Muslim leader, former Maharashtra minister and member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra . As the state prepares for assembly elections next month, the opposition has raised concerns about the law and order situation. The police probe in the murder conspiracy is hinting at various angles in the incident leading to various theories floating in. So far three accused have been arrested in the case and a further manhunt has been launched to nab the absconding accused involved in the killing incident.

Amidst ongoing investigation into the sensational incident of murder in recent times, we will delve into the details of the case, the investigation, and the conspiracies floating behind the assassination and how the entire murder incident has multiple state and city connections, including that of Mumbai, Haryana , Punjab , Uttar Pradesh, Pune and others. 

On a fateful evening on October 12, Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique's office in the Nirmal Nagar area located in Mumbai’s Bandra East. The assailants, who were three in number, after firing indiscriminately at Siddique and fled the scene leaving behind a trail of chaos and panic. Siddique was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. He was cremated with full state honours in Mumbai on Sunday evening.

Unraveling the Conspiracy In Baba Siddique’s Assassination

The police swung into action, and after a thorough investigation, they arrested two suspects - Karnail Singh from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh. The third suspect, identified as Shiv Kumar Gautam from Uttar Pradesh, is still on the run. The police have recovered weapons and a vehicle used in the crime. According to sources, the suspects have claimed that they work for gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is lodged in jail. 

The murder of Baba Siddique has sparked outrage and fear among the opposition parties. With assembly elections just around the corner, the incident has raised questions about the law and order situation in Maharashtra. The opposition has demanded a thorough investigation and action against those responsible.

The murder of Baba Siddique, a prominent Muslim leader and member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra. As the investigation continues, various theories and speculations are emerging, each attempting to explain the motives behind the brutal assassination. In this article, we will delve into the different theories floating around and examine their implications.

Motive

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the murder was a premeditated act. The suspects had been watching Siddique's office and home for over a month, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The weapons were procured a few days before the murder, indicating a well-planned conspiracy.

The motives behind the murder are still unclear, but sources suggest that it could be linked to political rivalry or business disputes. Siddique was a prominent leader in the NCP and had a significant influence on the Muslim community. His assassination has raised concerns about political vendetta and the role of organised crime in the state.

Political Rivalry Theory

Baba Siddique started his political career with the Congress party’s student wing during his teenage days. He was later elected its Mumbai president, and appointed president of the Mumbai Youth Congress in 1988. Siddique, who was close to Sunil Dutt, the late actor-turned-politician and Member of Parliament (MP) from Mumbai-North West, initiated into mainstream politics in 1992, when he was elected municipal corporator for the first time. He became an MLA from the Bandra West assembly constituency in 1999, following which he was elected as an MLA for two more terms, in 2004 and 2009.

Siddique was also appointed as a minister in the Vilasrao Deshmukh-led Congress-NCP government in 2004. During his three consecutive terms as MLA from Bandra West, Siddique gained recognition not only in political circles but also due to his Bollywood connections. He became the go-to person for many Bollywood personalities, who needed help sorting out work-related and even personal issues.

In Feb this year, Siddiqui left the Congress and joined the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, an alliance partner of Shiv Sena-BJP.

One of the most widely discussed theories is that the murder was a result of political rivalry. Siddique's influence in the NCP and his significant clout in the Muslim community made him a prominent face in Maharashtra politics. One of the theories that are taking around suggests that his assassination was a strategic move to eliminate a political threat.

SRA Dispute Theory

The police are also investigating disputes related to the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme projects in the murder of former minister Baba Siddique.

Siddique had interests in real estate through his close associates and previously faced an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation for his involvement in the SRA project of the Jamaat-e-Jamhooria slums in Bandra Reclamation. In 2017, he was raided and questioned by the ED for alleged money laundering.

In 2002, when Siddique was MHADA chairman, it was alleged that a developer obtained the slum redevelopment project by manipulating the number of eligible slum dwellers. This allowed the developer to have more floor space index (FSI) in the project.

The ED investigation led to the attachment of 33 posh flats constructed in the saleable building on the plot. During the investigation, the ED found that fictitious illegal slum dwellers were introduced into the project using forged ration cards, most of which were issued on Sunday holidays.

However, the ED case collapsed before the adjudication authority after the Bandra police report stated that their investigation found the ration cards to be genuine and that the concerned state government department was working on Sundays during that period to issue the ration cards.

The ED did not challenge the order but shared their findings with the SRA, stating that their investigation clearly showed that additional FSI was generated on the plot using forged documents. They requested the SRA to file an FIR so that the ED could reopen the investigation, but there was no reply from the state govt agency. The ED sent a reminder to the SRA around three months ago asking for an update on their request but did not receive any reply.

Business Disputes Theory

Another theory gaining traction is that the murder was linked to business disputes. Siddique had interests in various ventures, including real estate and construction. Sources close to the investigation hint that a dispute over a land deal or business partnership gone sour might have led to the murder. This theory highlights the dark underbelly of business rivalries and the extreme measures some individuals may take to protect their interests.

Gang War Theory

The involvement of alleged gang members Karnail Singh and Dharamraj Kashyap has sparked speculation about a gang war. This theory suggests that Siddique's murder was a result of a turf war or a settling of scores between rival gangs.

It is also widely discussed that Siddique fell prey to the ongoing tussle between various gangs in the city, who are trying to get supremacy in Mumbai against other gangs. The police are exploring this angle, and if true, it would highlight the growing menace of organized crime in Maharashtra.

Some sources suggest that the murder might have been a result of personal enmity. A personal vendetta or grudge might have led to the murder. This theory emphasizes the importance of considering individual motives and the impact of personal relationships on criminal behaviour.

Bollywood Connection

Another theory suggests that the murder was linked to his connection in Bollywood and several film stars in the industry. Apart from his prominent position in the NCP, Siddique had a major influence in the film industry with good connections with top film houses. In the past few months, Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who had a good connection with Baba Siddique had been receiving threats from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. 

A few weeks ago, an indiscriminate firing also allegedly occurred outside Khan's house. It is being claimed that Baba Siddique was closely following the turn of incidents and was widely involved in ensuring that the actor got adequate security, one of the most discussed theories behind the murder. Furthermore, one of the accused in the firing incident, arrested by the Mumbai police, had committed suicide after his arrest. 

This theory highlights the nature of threats and the extreme measures some individuals may take to advance their motives. The murder of Baba Siddique has left Maharashtra reeling, and the various theories floating around only add to the complexity of the case. As the investigation continues, it is essential to consider all angles and motives. 

Police Probe So Far

During the police probe, it surfaced that the suspects had been monitoring Baba Siddique for months, conducting a recce of his residence and office. The police revealed that the suspects were paid Rs 50,000 each in advance for the hit and that arms had been delivered to them only a few days before the assassination.

After the arrest of the two accused involved in the killing, the Mumbai police on Sunday evening nabbed the 28-year-old accused identified as Pravin Lonkar, a "co-conspirator" in the case, from Pune. They said they were on the lookout for his brother, Shubham Lonkar, who is at large.

The Mumbai police said on Monday that Pravin Lonkar, one of the arrested accused in the case, and his brother Shubham had played an active role in the murder conspiracy and had been connected with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which is the alleged mastermind in the case.

As per reports, hours after Siddique’s murder in Bandra on Saturday, Shubham posted on social media claiming that the NCP leader was gunned down because of his earlier links to Dawood Ibrahim and also cited the death of Anuj Thappan, who died by suicide in custody after being arrested over the firing outside actor Salman Khan’s home. He, however, deleted the post within a few minutes.

The police further submitted that Lonkar, along with his brother Shubham, Mohamed Zeeshan Akhtar, and Shiv Kumar Gautam, had provided the weapons used in the crime. Two other accused in the case have been arrested namely Gurmail Singh and Dharamraj Kashyap, who allegedly opened fire on Siddique.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the third accused will be arrested "soon". "Be it the Bishnoi gang or any underworld gang, we won't spare anyone," he told reporters.