In a significant development, authorities arrested the shooter responsible for the October 12 murder of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique. The accused, identified as Shiv Kumar, was apprehended on Sunday while attempting to flee to Nepal.
His arrest marks a breakthrough in the case, which has drawn considerable attention due to the high-profile victim and the suspected involvement of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
The arrest was made possible through a coordinated effort between the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF). In addition to Kumar, four other individuals — Anurag Kashyap, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Akash Srivastava, and Akhileshendra Pratap Singh — were also detained for allegedly providing shelter to Kumar and aiding his escape plans.
The crime, which occurred outside the office of Siddique’s son, involved Kumar using a 9.9 mm pistol to fire a total of six rounds. Tragically, one of the bullets struck Siddique in the chest, leading to his immediate collapse at the scene.
Investigators believe the motive behind the attack could be linked to the operations of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has been associated with a string of criminal activities across the region.
This case has highlighted concerns over gang violence and the influence of organised crime networks in Maharashtra and neighbouring states. The swift action by law enforcement agencies has been praised, as it not only brought a prime suspect into custody but also potentially disrupted plans for the accused’s escape across international borders.
The investigation continues as officials probe deeper into the motivations behind the attack and the extent of support that Kumar received from local networks.
The arrest of his accomplices is expected to provide crucial information on the operational tactics of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and the wider criminal network that assisted in Siddique’s killing.
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