NEW DELHI: The plot to assassinate NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was orchestrated in Pune, with the shooters being provided with a photograph and a flex banner to identify their target, according to police on Monday. The Mumbai crime branch, investigating the high-profile murder of the 66-year-old politician, uncovered the alleged involvement of Pune-based Pravin Lonkar and his brother Shubham Lonkar in the conspiracy.
Lonkar brothers behind attack planning and execution
The Lonkar brothers have been identified as the central figures in the crime, allegedly financing the shooters, managing logistics, and arranging meetings prior to the attack. Pravin, who worked at a dairy owned by Shubham, recruited shooters Shivkumar Gautam and Dharmaraj Kashyap, who were connected to a nearby scrap shop.
Shooters in Siddique’s plot paid Rs 50,000 each in advance
The conspiracy was developed over multiple meetings, with the shooters being promised significant payment upon successful completion of the plan and receiving an advance of Rs 50,000 each. They acquired a motorcycle to conduct surveillance on Siddique’s daily routine and residence. The shooters remained in constant contact with their handlers until the night of the shooting.
Three individuals have been arrested so far
Gurmail Baljit Singh (23) from Haryana, Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap (19) from Uttar Pradesh, both alleged shooters, and Pravin Lonkar have been arrested so far. The police are searching for the suspected “handler” Mohammad Yasin Akhtar and Gautam, who allegedly fired the fatal shots into Siddique’s chest.
The investigation revealed that Gautam had called Kashyap to work with him in Pune three months ago and later moved to Kurla, Mumbai, in September 2023. He also involved Singh in the conspiracy.
Police probe deleted post linking Bishnoi gang
Shubham Lonkar had allegedly posted on Facebook, attributing the attack to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, but the post has since been deleted. The Mumbai Police are coordinating with social media platforms to trace the post’s origins. Shubham Lonkar is also accused of providing the shooters with firearms and ammunition and was previously arrested in a separate arms case in Akola district in January.
Multiple teams deployed to gather intelligence
The crime branch is investigating all possible angles, including the involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, as some suspects have prior affiliations. Over 15 teams are deployed across various states to gather intelligence. The police have also sent a proposal to the home department for the custody of Lawrence Bishnoi, currently lodged in Sabarmati Jail, in connection with an earlier case.
Locals recount experiences with suspects: Untidiness, smoking
Locals in the area where the accused had rented a house were shocked by the incident, with some recounting their experiences with the suspects, including complaints about Singh’s untidiness and his fluency in English. According to a report from PTI, locals accused Singh of standing in front of his rented flat and smoking cigarettes.
