Contract was to kill both Baba Siddique and son Zeeshan Siddique, accused tells cops

As the investigation into the murder of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique continues, one of the accused have told the Mumbai police that the contract was to kill both Baba Siddique and son Zeeshan Siddique. The 66-year-old Baba Siddique was shot to death near the office of the MLA son Zeeshan on Saturday evening.

The crime branch of the Mumbai Police told ANI on Monday afternoon that Zeeshan too received death threats a few days before the incident took place. One of the three accused, who are in police custody, told the investigation officials that both Zeeshan and Baba Siddiqui were on the target and they were ordered to fire on anyone they found. 

In the wake of the situation, the security cover for Zeeshan has been upgraded. Besides Zeeshan, actor Salman Khan is also said to be a target of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has claimed responsibility for the crime. 

The Mumbai Police has deployed the Rapid Commando Platoon (RCP) to Zeeshan Siddique’s home in Bandra (West). Police presence outside his house has intensified to ensure his safety. Barricades have also been set up to keep unauthorized individuals away from the residence.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai police said it arrested the third accused in the case. Pravin Lonkar, brother of Shubam Lonkar, was arrested from Pune on Sunday evening and is accused of providing a lodging facility to Shubam. 

The official said police went to Pune looking for Shubham Lonkar but did not find him there. They then nabbed his brother Pravin for his alleged involvement in the crime.

It was Shubham who put up the social media post claiming responsibility for the murder of Baba Siddique. 

Despite the post, the police are also probing various angles, including a possible contract killing, business or political rivalry or threat over a slum rehabilitation project, according to officials. 

The police have set up 15 teams which fanned out of Maharashtra and a probe is on to identify who provided logistical support to the shooters, officials said.