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The murder of Baba Siddique, a prominent NCP leader and former Maharashtra Minister, has sent shockwaves through the state. The investigation into this tragic event has revealed a chilling detail: the shooters involved in the crime honed their skills in handling firearms by watching YouTube videos at a rented house in the Kurla area of Mumbai. This discovery underscores the accessibility of dangerous information online and highlights the potential for misuse of readily available platforms like YouTube.
The investigation, led by the Mumbai police’s crime branch, has uncovered a disturbing network of individuals involved in the plot to assassinate Siddique. The primary suspect, Shivkumar Gautam, who is currently on the run, reportedly acquired his knowledge of firearms through celebratory firings at weddings in Uttar Pradesh. This suggests that exposure to firearms in certain social contexts may inadvertently contribute to a culture of gun violence.
Gautam’s expertise in handling weapons led to his selection as the “main shooter.” His associates, Gurmail Singh and Dharmaraj Kashyap, were recruited to assist in the operation. These individuals received training in shooting at a rented house in Kurla, where they engaged in “dry practice” – shooting without bullets. Their training methods included watching YouTube videos for nearly four weeks to learn how to load and unload weapons, showcasing the ease with which individuals can acquire dangerous knowledge online. The lack of available open spaces for practice forced them to rely on digital resources for their training, highlighting the potential for online platforms to become tools for illicit activities.
The investigation has also uncovered the role of Shubham Lonkar, an alleged co-conspirator. Lonkar had previously been on the police radar in connection with an incident involving firing outside actor Salman Khan’s residence. His association with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, known for its involvement in criminal activities, raised concerns. Lonkar’s communication with Anmol, the brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, further reinforces his potential link to organized crime. His disappearance on September 24 raises serious questions about the extent of his involvement in the conspiracy to kill Baba Siddique. Lonkar's familiarity with mobile phone apps, including Snapchat and Instagram, highlights the use of encrypted messaging platforms by criminals to avoid detection. The anonymity provided by these platforms enables individuals to communicate without leaving a digital trace, posing a major challenge for law enforcement.
The case of Baba Siddique’s murder serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of gun violence and the ease with which individuals can access dangerous information online. The use of YouTube as a tool for learning how to handle firearms underscores the need for stricter regulations and enhanced online security measures to prevent the dissemination of harmful content. Additionally, the case highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of gun violence, including societal factors that contribute to a culture of violence and accessibility to firearms. As the investigation continues, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the potential for online platforms to be exploited for criminal activities and to work collaboratively to mitigate the risks associated with these technologies.
Source: Baba Siddique murder: Shooters learnt to operate firearms through YoutTube videos