October 14, 2024: In a significant breakthrough in the murder case of NCP leader Baba Siddique, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch on Monday arrested Pravin Lonkar from Pune. Lonkar is reportedly the brother of Shubham Lonkar, who had previously posted on social media that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was behind the murder. Shubham Lonkar remains absconding.
According to the police, Pravin Lonkar is alleged to have provided shelter to two arrested individuals in Pune who are accused of being involved in the murder plot. Meanwhile, an ossification test was conducted on another accused, Dharmaraj Kashyap, to verify claims of his age. The test confirmed that Kashyap is not a minor, as previously argued by his lawyer.
Following the confirmation, Kashyap was presented before the court and was placed under police custody until October 21. The court ordered the test after Kashyap’s defense claimed he was a minor, which could have impacted the legal proceedings.
Officials have also revealed that Pravin Lonkar’s brother, Shubham Lonkar, and other associates had conspired to enlist Kashyap and another accused, Shivkumar Gautam, in the murder plot. The murder of Baba Siddique occurred outside his office in Nirmal Nagar, where he was shot multiple times. Siddique was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries later that night.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the murder, stating, “Yesterday’s incident of Baba Siddique’s murder is unfortunate and sad. Mumbai Police have arrested two persons—one from UP and the other from Haryana. The third accused is absconding… He will be arrested soon.” He assured strict action would be taken against those responsible, whether from the Bishnoi gang or any other criminal organization.
Baba Siddique’s funeral took place on Sunday with full state honors at Mumbai’s Bada Qabrastan.
