The shocking murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique has sent shockwaves through Mumbai, with two suspects claiming to be connected to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

The shooting took place near his son’s office in Bandra East, where Siddique was fatally shot.

The suspects, arrested after the crime, have made claims about their links to Bishnoi’s gang, but authorities are still investigating the authenticity of these claims.

Baba Siddique, a three-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Bandra East, was a key figure in Maharashtra politics.

His assassination has raised concerns about the rising influence of criminal gangs in the political landscape of the state, especially ahead of the Maharashtra state elections.

Also Read: Who Was Baba Siddique? All About the NCP Leader Shot Dead in Mumbai

Shooters’ Claims and the Bishnoi Gang Angle

The two men arrested in connection with Baba Siddique’s murder, Karnail Singh from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh, have claimed they belong to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

The Bishnoi gang is notorious across India, known for its involvement in extortion, murder, and high-profile threats, including to Bollywood actor Salman Khan.

While the suspects have made these claims, the police are still verifying the truth behind their statements, as the Bishnoi gang has not officially taken responsibility for the crime.

Details of the Shooting

The murder occurred late at night when at least six bullets were fired at Baba Siddique. Four of these bullets hit him in the chest, leading to his death.

The shooting was carried out by three individuals, two of whom have been arrested, while the third is still on the run.

The police suspect that the attack was a planned contract killing, potentially linked to Siddique’s involvement in a slum rehabilitation case or other political motives.

Sources have revealed that the suspects had been conducting a recce of the area for nearly a month before the attack.

On the night of the crime, the three arrived in an auto-rickshaw and waited near the spot before carrying out the assassination.

Law enforcement agencies believe that someone else may have been providing the shooters with information about Siddique’s location.

Investigation and Security Concerns

The police are investigating the case from multiple angles. One line of inquiry focuses on the possible involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, while another is exploring whether the murder was connected to a dispute over slum rehabilitation projects in the area.

Baba Siddique was well-known for his close ties with Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, which has added to the speculation about the Bishnoi gang’s involvement.

Lawrence Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in a Gujarat jail, has a long criminal record. His gang is involved in extortion cases and ransom demands across India, targeting businessmen and celebrities alike.

Bishnoi had previously issued threats to Salman Khan over the actor’s involvement in the 1998 black buck hunting case, making headlines nationwide.

Rohit Godara, a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi, has made it clear that anyone associated with Salman Khan is considered an enemy of the gang.

Given Siddique’s relationship with the Bollywood star, investigators are looking into whether this connection played a role in his murder.

However, Siddique himself had not reported any specific threats from the Bishnoi gang, according to police sources.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

The Mumbai Police have formed four special teams to probe the case thoroughly. Additionally, central agencies are collaborating with law enforcement in Gujarat and Delhi to track down leads related to the gang’s involvement.

Authorities are also focused on finding the third suspect, who remains at large, and identifying any additional conspirators who may have provided logistical support or information about Siddique’s movements.

Reports indicate that the suspects had been monitoring Siddique for weeks before the attack. This level of preparation suggests a carefully planned execution, and the police are leaving no stone unturned in their investigation.

Growing Influence of the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been in the spotlight for its growing influence across India. Over the past few years, the gang has been linked to multiple high-profile crimes, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and a gym owner of Afghan origin in Delhi.

With over 700 shooters reportedly affiliated with the gang, it has become a significant player in organized crime networks, with operations spanning several states.

The gang operates through a loose network of small-time criminals and big-time players, who carry out extortions, contract killings, and other illegal activities on behalf of Bishnoi and his close associates.

Despite Bishnoi being in jail, his gang continues to function actively, with key members like Rohit Godara issuing statements and coordinating activities from the outside.

The police are also exploring whether this murder was ordered from within the gang as part of a broader scheme, or whether local political rivalries were at play.

Political and Election Concerns

The timing of Baba Siddique’s murder is crucial, as it comes just before the Maharashtra state elections.

His death has heightened security concerns for politicians in the state, particularly those involved in controversial projects or with connections to Bollywood figures.

The police are taking extra precautions to prevent further incidents, especially as tensions rise in the lead-up to the elections.

The murder has also led to calls for increased security for political figures, with many worried about the growing power of criminal elements in the state.

Baba Siddique was under ‘Y’ category security at the time of the attack, which indicates that there was already some level of concern about his safety.

However, despite this security cover, the shooters were able to carry out their plan, raising questions about the effectiveness of the protection provided.

The investigation into Baba Siddique’s murder is still ongoing, with many questions remaining unanswered.

The involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, the motives behind the attack, and the identity of the third shooter are all areas that the police are actively pursuing.