Mumbai, India — A sensational murder case has been unfolding in Mumbai with five arrests made in connection to the assassination of former minister Baba Siddique. It is alleged that the motive behind the killing involved Siddique’s connections with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan.
Authorities are investigating whether disputes over slum rehabilitation projects may have also played a role in Siddique’s death. Despite the multiple arrests, two key suspects, Shubham Lonkar and Zeeshan Akhtar, still evade capture. Reports suggest Lonkar may have played a significant role in influencing another suspect, Gautam, by radicalizing his views.
According to police, Shiv Kumar Gautam, believed to be the shooter, confessed that Siddique was targeted due to his alleged ties with fugitive underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim and actor Salman Khan. Gautam claimed he was offered 10 lakh rupees, a trip abroad, and regular financial support to carry out the high-profile killing. The purported brain behind this plot is Anmol Bishnoi, who allegedly aimed to solidify his authority in Mumbai through this act.
Following their arrest, Gautam, along with four others identified as Anuragh Kashyap, Gyan Tripathi, Akash Srivastav, and Akhilendra Pratap Singh, were presented before the 37th Metropolitan Magistrate court. They are to remain in police custody until November 19 to assist with the ongoing investigation.
The murder, which took place on October 12 outside Siddique’s son’s office in Bandra East, also stirred controversy due to a mysterious social media post by Lonkar shortly afterwards, which implicated Khan and served as a chilling warning to those linked with him and Ibrahim.
Details of Gautam’s movements post-incident have surfaced as well. Following the shooting, he is reported to have made an elaborate escape via rickshaw to Kurla, followed by a train journey from Thane to Pune and onward to Lucknow. Throughout his flight, Gautam remained in contact with Anmol Bishnoi’s brother in Canada. Eventually, Gautam was apprehended near the Uttar Pradesh-Nepal border in Nanpara, where he displayed no signs of remorse.
Local law enforcement remains vigilant and conscientious about the veracity of the claims made by Gautam as they continue to untangle the web of motives and affiliations in this complex case. This murder has not only exposed potential underground linkages but also highlighted the vulnerabilities in managing crime associated with slum redevelopment plans in India’s financial capital.
This high-profile case has understandably captured public and media interest, as it involves elements of Bollywood, politics, and alleged underworld connections. It continues to develop as authorities press on with their investigation, promising updates as they emerge.