Baba Siddique Murder Sparks Investigation Into Alleged Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Involvement

A tragic incident in Bandra, Mumbai, has resulted in the death of Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister and three-time MLA. This event has raised security concerns ahead of the Maharashtra state elections. Siddique, aged 66 and associated with the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party, was fatally shot near his son's office. Reports indicate that he was struck by four out of at least six bullets fired, suggesting a planned attack.

The police have arrested two suspects, Karnail Singh from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh. They allegedly claim ties to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. However, these claims remain unverified by authorities, and the gang has not claimed responsibility for the murder. Investigations are exploring various angles, including possible connections to the Bishnoi gang and a dispute over a slum rehabilitation project as reported by NDTV.

According to police sources, the suspects had been observing the location in Bandra East for nearly a month before carrying out their plan. On the night of the murder, three assailants arrived at the scene in an auto rickshaw and waited before executing their attack. The meticulous planning indicates a contract killing, leading to the formation of four special investigation teams by law enforcement.

The potential involvement of the Bishnoi gang is being considered due to Siddique's connection with Bollywood actor Salman Khan. Khan has previously received threats from Lawrence Bishnoi. Despite receiving a death threat 15 days earlier and being given 'Y' category security, Siddique did not report any specific threats from this gang to authorities. Central agencies are collaborating with police forces in Gujarat and Delhi to investigate this case further.

Lawrence Bishnoi is currently imprisoned in Gujarat and is known for his extensive criminal activities, including extortion from businessmen. His gang reportedly consists of over 700 shooters involved in high-profile crimes such as the murders of rapper Sidhu Moosewala and a Delhi-based gym owner of Afghan descent. Bishnoi's animosity towards Salman Khan dates back to Khan's 1998 black buck hunting case. Rohit Godara, a close aide of Bishnoi, stated that "anyone who was a friend of Salman Khan was their enemy."

This shocking incident has highlighted the influence of gang-related activities in Mumbai. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the motives behind Siddique's murder and ensure those responsible face justice.