Baba Siddique murder: Mumbai police arrest conspirator from Ludhiana; 15 arrests so far

The Mumbai police arrested one more suspect in connection with the murder of veteran Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique on Friday. The accused was arrested from Punjab’s Ludhiana in a joint operation by Mumbai and Punjab police.

According to police, the suspect Surjeet Sushil Singh was involved in the conspiracy to kill Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique. Tweeting about the operation, Punjab police chief Gaurav Yadav said it was a huge breakthrough in the case. “In a major breakthrough, Mumbai Police in a joint operation with Punjab Police apprehends Sujeet Sushil Singh, resident of Mumbai, wanted in high profile murder of Baba Siddique,” Yadav said.

Yadav added Singh was part of the conspiracy to murder Siddique and provided logistical support for the shooters. “Sujeet was involved in the murder conspiracy and was informed about the plan to kill Baba Siddique three days in advance by Nitin Gautan (Gautam) Sapre - another accused. He also provided logistical assistance. He has been handed over to Mumbai Police for further investigation," The Punjab police chief said.

According to police, Singh was linked to Zeeshan Akhtar, one of the alleged masterminds behind the murder, and he provided money for the shooters. Akhtar is still on the run.

With Singh’s arrest, Punjab police have so far arrested 15 persons in connection with the assassination of the veteran Maharashtra politician who had close ties with Bollywood celebrities. Allegedly, Siddique and his son Zeeshan were targeted by the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi gang for their close relationship with actor Salman Khan. The actor is on the Bishnoi gang’s hitlist for allegedly hunting down a blackbuck.