Congress leader Udit Raj expressed grave concerns regarding the recent murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, questioning the competence of both the Maharashtra government and the Home Minister. In a statement to, Raj stated, “This is not an ordinary incident. He was threatened and then murdered. The question arises whether the government is competent, is the Home Minister competent? Should he remain in office? Gangsters are operating from jail, and what is the Home Minister of our country and the Home Minister of Maharashtra doing?”
Police Arrest Suspect Linked to the Murder
In connection with the investigation into Siddique’s murder, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch arrested Pravin Lonkar in Pune earlier in the day. Pravin is the brother of Shubham Lonkar, who allegedly claimed responsibility for the murder on social media, stating that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was involved. Shubham Lonkar is currently absconding, and police believe Pravin provided shelter to both arrested suspects in Pune.
The Mumbai police also conducted an ossification test on Dharmaraj Kashyap, one of the accused in the murder case. The test confirmed that he is not a minor, countering claims made by his lawyer. An ossification test is a medical procedure used to estimate a person’s age by analyzing bone fusion. Following the test results, Kashyap was presented in court, where police custody was granted until October 21.
According to officials, Pravin Lonkar (28) is implicated in the conspiracy to kill Siddique, having allegedly recruited Kashyap and Shivkumar Gautam for the crime.
Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his office in Nirmal Nagar. His last rites were performed with full state honors in Mumbai at Bada Qabrastan on Sunday, highlighting the significance of his political stature and the impact of his untimely death on the community.
