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The murder of Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister, has sent shockwaves through India. The Mumbai Police have made significant progress in their investigation, arresting nine individuals in connection with the crime. The latest arrests involve five suspects who initially demanded ₹50 lakh for the assassination of Siddique. However, due to disagreements over payment and the influence of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, the suspects backed out of the agreement. Despite withdrawing from the assassination plot, they continued to provide logistical and other support to the individuals carrying out the murder.
The five suspects, identified as Nitin Gautam Sapre, Sambhaji Kisan Pardhi, Pradeep Dattu Thombre, Chetan Dilip Pardhi, and Ram Fulchand Kanoujia, were apprehended by the Mumbai Crime Branch on Friday. Their roles in the murder include supplying firearms and logistical assistance to the shooters. The arrests bring the total number of suspects apprehended to nine.
Police investigations have revealed that the module led by Sapre initially demanded a significant sum from a mediator to carry out the killing of Baba Siddique. However, the plan was abandoned due to disagreements regarding the contract. Sapre was aware of the potential repercussions of assassinating a high-profile politician and the negative impact it would have on his group, ultimately leading to their decision to withdraw. Nevertheless, they chose to provide logistical support to the individuals who ultimately carried out the assassination.
The arrested suspects were found to have been in contact with Shubham Lonkar and Mohammed Zeeshan Akhtar, who are considered conspirators in the murder. The police are currently investigating whether Lonkar and Akhtar played a role in connecting the plot to kill Baba Siddique with Sapre's group through the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The investigation continues to unfold, with three key suspects, including the primary shooter Shivkumar Gautam, still at large. The police have issued a look-out circular (LOC) for the three fugitives.
The assassination of Baba Siddique highlights the growing concern of political violence in India. The investigation into his murder is a testament to the complexity of such cases and the significant challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. The Mumbai Police, through their persistent efforts and meticulous investigation, have made notable progress in uncovering the perpetrators of this heinous crime. As the investigation continues, the search for the remaining suspects intensifies, with the goal of bringing all those involved in the murder to justice.
Source: Mumbai Police's big update on Baba Siddique murder: 5 arrested accused had sought ₹50 lakh, but…