The main suspect in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique was arrested in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. Shiv Kumar Gautam, the alleged shooter, was taken into custody along with two accomplices in a joint operation by Mumbai Police and the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force, officials said, PTI reported.
The suspects are being transported to Mumbai for further questioning.
Eariler on Friday, Mumbai Crime Branch officers detained Gaurav Vilas Apune, another suspect in the Siddique murder case. Apune was reportedly part of a team assigned to a “plan B” in case the initial attempt to kill Siddique failed, ANI reported.
According to police sources, co-accused Shubham Lonkar sent Apune and other shooters to Jharkhand for firing practice on 24 July.
Investigators have uncovered a plot involving a “plan B” by the gang, which is allegedly tied to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Officials said that if the primary operation had failed, the gang’s backup plan involved targeting a political leader in Pune, though the leader’s name has not been disclosed.
Siddique was shot outside his son MLA Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra East on 12 October. He sustained two gunshot wounds to his chest and was taken to Lilavati Hospital, where he later died. Despite multiple arrests, the motive remains unclear, and police have yet to confirm Bishnoi’s involvement.
Following the recent arrests, a pistol intended for “plan B” was seized in Pune. Mumbai Police have shared information with Pune officials and are investigating if the gang conducted reconnaissance in the city.
(With Inputs from agencies)