In a significant move, Mumbai police have issued a lookout notice for three prime suspects, including the main shooter Shivkumar Gautam, in connection with the high-profile murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique. The notice, aimed at preventing the accused from fleeing the country, has alerted all seaports and airports, ensuring heightened security and surveillance.
Nationwide Hunt for Accused
Along with Gautam, the lookout circular also names Shubham Lonkar, a suspected co-conspirator, and handler Mohammed Zeeshan Akhtar. Multiple teams from the Mumbai Crime Branch have been dispatched across the country, actively searching for the three fugitives.
So far, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including alleged shooters Gurmail Baljit Singh from Haryana, Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh, and co-conspirator Harishkumar Balakram Nisad. In a related development, Shubham Lonkar’s brother, Pravin Lonkar, has also been taken into custody from Pune.
Siddique’s Assassination Shocks Mumbai
Baba Siddique, 66, a former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead on October 12 outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra area. The gruesome attack has sent shockwaves through the political corridors and prompted a swift police response.
The Facebook Confession and Gang Connection
Shubham Lonkar is suspected of posting a viral message on Facebook, claiming responsibility for the killing and linking it to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Police sources suggest that the Lonkar brothers provided ₹5 lakh in cash to the shooters through their associate Harishkumar Nisad.
Lonkar’s Shady Past
Notably, Shubham Lonkar had a prior arrest in January under the Arms Act, following the discovery of a cache of firearms. During his interrogation, police uncovered his connection to Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol Bishnoi. Despite being on the police radar, Lonkar managed to disappear after securing bail in September, just weeks before Siddique’s murder.
