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The recent murder of Baba Siddique, a prominent NCP leader, has sent shockwaves through India. The investigation into the case has taken a crucial turn with the arrest of Shivkumar Gautam, the alleged main shooter, in Uttar Pradesh. The breakthrough came thanks to the vigilant efforts of the Mumbai Police and the Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF), who tracked down Gautam with the help of four of his close friends.
The four friends, whose late-night conversations on social media raised suspicions, played a key role in leading the police to Gautam. Their suspicious activities included purchasing clothes in various sizes and planning to meet Gautam in a remote forest near the Nepal border. This raised red flags, prompting the authorities to initiate an investigation and increase surveillance on the group.
The police discovered that the four friends were attempting to assist Gautam in fleeing the country through Nepal. They had been in constant communication with him through internet calls, using mobile phones purchased in Lucknow. Their communication, especially during late hours, caught the attention of the authorities. This led to the group's arrest, which in turn led the police to Gautam's hideout in a remote village near the Nepal border.
Gautam, who allegedly shot Siddique at close range on October 12th in Mumbai's Bandra area, had a calculated escape plan. He initially traveled from the crime scene to Kurla, boarded a local train to Thane, and dumped his bag and mobile phone during the journey. He then traveled to Pune and boarded a train to Lucknow. During his journey, he made several calls to his handlers using the mobile phones of passengers.
After arriving in Lucknow, Gautam traveled to his native Bahraich and then to Nanpara, where he took refuge in a remote village near the Nepal border. He was hiding in a small hamlet of 10 to 15 hutments, around 10 km from Nanpara. The Crime Branch, utilizing human intelligence and local sources, focused on a group of individuals closely associated with Gautam. The four friends stood out as likely collaborators, their techno-savvy nature and purchase of clothes for Gautam's escape further solidifying their involvement.
The police's meticulous monitoring of the four friends' activities led them to their capture. Their arrest ultimately led the authorities to Gautam's hideout, where he was apprehended. The incident underscores the critical role of human intelligence and collaboration in solving complex crimes. It also highlights the importance of monitoring suspicious activities, even seemingly insignificant ones, as they can lead to breakthroughs in investigations.
The arrest of Shivkumar Gautam and his four friends is a significant step in the ongoing investigation of Baba Siddique's murder. This case is a reminder of the dangers of violence and the importance of upholding law and order. It also emphasizes the dedication and determination of law enforcement agencies in bringing perpetrators to justice.
Source: Baba Siddique murder case: Four friends' late-night phone calls lead to arrest of main shooter