Mumbai cops scanning places of worship in Ujjain, Khandwa to trace shooter

The conspiracy to kill NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was hatched in Pune and shooters were provided with a photo and a flex banner for the target identification, police said. Mumbai crime branch probing the sensational murder of the 66-year-old politician exposed the alleged role of Pune-based Pravin Lonkar and his brother Shubham Lonkar in the plot.

"The motive behind the killing will be ascertained once the wanted accused are arrested," a police official said.

Police have identified the Lonkar brothers as the key figures in the crime. The duo allegedly financed the shooters, coordinated logistics, and orchestrated meetings leading up to the attack.

Pravin worked at a dairy owned by Shubham, where they recruited shooters Shivkumar Gautam and Dharmaraj Kashyap, who had connections to a nearby scrap shop.

Bihar MP Pappu Yadav told PTI that he could "finish off within 24 hours" the network of Lawrence Bishnoi who is suspected to be behind the assassination of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui. The Purnea MP made the boastful statement in a post on X, on Sunday, when he called Gopalganj-born Siddiqui "a son of Bihar" and trained his guns at the NDA government in the western state.

"Has the nation become an army of eunuchs? A criminal sitting in jail gets people bumped off at will and all remain mute spectators," wrote Yadav, himself known for strong-arm tactics in politics.

He added, "Maha jungle raj prevails in Maharashtra. The proof is the murder of Baba Siddiqui, who enjoyed Y security cover and was known to be supportive of the government."

The MP, who redeemed himself politically in the recent Lok Sabha polls after remaining in the wilderness for a long, also said "if law permits, I can finish off within 24 hours the entire network run by this two-bit criminal called Lawrence Bishnoi".

A few nights ago, most news channels carried the headline: Former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique shot dead. While the headline was factually and grammatically correct, it failed to capture the full picture of Siddique's influence, akin to describing Raghu Karnad as Salman Khan’s co-star in Ek Tha Tiger. To truly understand Baba Siddique’s impact, one must consider his enormous influence on Mumbai politics, and by extension, Bollywood.

Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Sanjay Nirupam appealed the opposition parties in Maharashtra to refrain from doing politics over Baba Siddique's murder, adding that the state government has taken up this case as a 'challenge.'

Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam said,"...The way Baba Siddique was murdered is a matter of concern. The government has taken it as a challenge. It is a challenge for the government,"

Nirupam stated that the law and order situation of the state cannot be judged on the basis of a single incident.

"To conclude on the basis of one incident that the entire law and order has collapsed, I think this is an exaggeration. By saying such things, the opposition is doing the politics. At the time of such incidents, one should not do politics but should work and support the government. The Mumbai Police and the Crime Branch of the police are seriously investigating this case," he added.

Baba Siddique was a veteran politician, who joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar after a long stint with the Congress party. He had successfully contested and won the Bandra West assembly seat in Mumbai in the 1999, 2004, and 2009 elections.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Siddique gained recognition for his efforts in providing essential medicines to those in need. He was also renowned for hosting lavish 'Iftar' parties, which were frequently attended by prominent Bollywood celebrities.

As a significant Muslim leader in Mumbai, Siddique maintained close relationships with several Bollywood stars, including "Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Dutt."

Only one constable was accompanying NCP leader Baba Siddique when he was brutally assassinated in Mumbai's Bandra area on October 12 by three assailants who exploited the cover of Dussehra fireworks to unleash a hail of bullets, a police official said.

Six rounds were discharged at Siddique, two of which struck the 66-year-old former Maharashtra minister in the chest, outside his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique's office in Nirmal Nagar between 9.15pm and 9.30pm on Saturday. The Congress-turned-NCP leader, who police said was provided non-categorised security, was swiftly transported to Lilavati Hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical professionals.

Non-categorised security, under which Siddique was allocated three constables, is determined based on the individual's threat assessment, the official elaborated. Two constables on security duty were relieved in the evening and only one personnel was with Siddique when he was departing for Bandra West from his son's office on the ill-fated night, the official emphasized.

When the assailants unleashed their barrage of gunfire, numerous individuals in the densely populated area initially mistook the sounds for firecrackers being set off as part of Dussehra and Goddess Durga idol immersion processions, according to police.

An assistant inspector (API) of Nirmal Nagar police station and some other personnel swiftly responded to the scene, successfully apprehending two of the alleged shooters and recovering two firearms and 29 live rounds from them, the official stated. A third shooter managed to flee amidst the chaos.
Apart from this accused, Mumbai police, in its remand application has also identified one more individual as wanted in connection with the case. Fifteen police teams have been assembled as part of the investigation, with many of them extending their search into other states to unravel this shocking crime.

The Punjab Police on Monday said Mohammad Yasin Akhtar, one of the suspects in the killing of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique in Mumbai, is facing nine heinous criminal cases, including for murder and attempt to murder. Akhtar (21) is a resident of Shankar village in Jalandhar's district, police said.

A police official in Jalandhar said nine cases are registered against Akhtar alias Jessi alias Sikandar at different police stations.

He is facing serious charges, such as murder, attempt to murder and dacoity, Nakodar Deputy Superintendent of Police Sukhpal Singh said.

He added that Akhtar is facing two criminal cases in Haryana's Kaithal as well.

Akhtar was arrested in a criminal case in June 2022. He had not visited his village after he came out of jail in June 2024, police said.

Akhtar is suspected to have links with gangster Vikram Brar.

His father Mohammad Jamil Akhtar, who was engaged in the work of laying marble and tiles, and brother were not found in the village and their house was found locked.

Akhtar's mother and sister have passed away.

The search for the suspected shooter in the former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique murder case entered its second day on Monday, with Mumbai Police and Madhya Pradesh police teams concentrating their efforts on religious sites in Ujjain and Khandwa districts. The suspect, Shivkumar Gautam, is believed to be on the run following Siddique's shooting in Mumbai on Saturday.

Authorities have apprehended three individuals in connection with the case: Gurmail Baljit Singh (23) from Haryana, Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap (19) from Uttar Pradesh, and "co-conspirator Pravin Lonkar from Pune. Another suspect, "handler" Mohd Zishan Akhtar, remains at large.

Ujjain and Khandwa are renowned for their popular Mahakal and Omkareshwar temples, which attract a significant number of visitors daily. When asked if the fugitive shooter might be a devout individual who could seek refuge at these well-known temples, a police official declined to provide a direct answer, stating that law enforcement is also monitoring other locations.

Khandwa is situated in close proximity to Amravati and Jalgaon in Maharashtra.

Harnath Singh Yadav, BJP Rajya Sabha MP, has urged Bollywood actor Salman Khan to apologise to the Bishnoi community for the blackbuck incident that happened over 20 years ago. Yadav stated the blackbuck holds significant cultural and religious importance for the Bishnoi community, who were deeply hurt by its killing.

On Sunday, Yadav posted on his X account, accusing Khan of hunting, cooking, and eating the blackbuck, urging the actor to respect the Bishnoi community's feelings and apologize.

"Dear Salman Khan, the Bishnoi community worships the blackbuck as a deity. You hunted it, cooked it, and ate it. The community has been angry for a long time because of this. My good advice is to apologize and make amends," his post read.

"Some 23-24 years ago, Salman Khan went to Rajasthan for the shooting of a film. He went hunting and killed a blackbuck. The blackbuck is worshipped in the Bishnoi community, and its killing left the community furious," Yadav said said as quoted by IANS.

He noted that Salman Khan was sentenced to five years by the lower court following the incident.

"Humans make mistakes, and Salman Khan is a very popular person with many followers. To resolve this controversy, I appealed to him on Twitter. The best way to end this is to repent and apologize. Apologizing does not diminish a person's status; it enhances it," Yadav added.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched an attack on the Maharashtra government following the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, claiming that gang wars and underworld influence have surged in Mumbai under the current administration.

Speaking on Monday, Raut accused the government of harboring ties with the underworld, which he alleged was being orchestrated from Gujarat.

"I had previously warned that under this government, the power of gang wars and the underworld in Mumbai would increase. This government also has the support of the underworld, which is being run from Gujarat," Raut said.

Raut, making a veiled reference to Lawrence Bishnoi, said, "One gangster is lodged in Gujarat's Sabarmati Jail and is in the custody of Gujarat ATS, taking responsibility for the murder of Baba Siddique. This is a challenge for the Union Home Minister who is from Gujarat."

"He (CM Shinde) declared himself Singham after shooting Akshay Shinde (accused in Badlapur sexual assault case). Now show this 'Singhamgiri' here. If you have the courage and you are a man, then encounter the conspirators of Baba Siddiqui's murder case," Raut said.

Asserting that this is not a time for division or for exploiting others' pain, deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Sunday said former minister Baba Siddique's killing must not be politicised.

"NCP has been devastated by the tragic loss of Baba Siddique, a leader deeply loved by many, and personally, I have lost a dear friend whom I had known for years. We are heartbroken, struggling to grasp the cruelty of this incident. This is not just a political loss—it's a deeply personal tragedy that has shaken us all. I strongly urge everyone to resist the temptation to politicise this horrifying event... Right now, our focus must be on ensuring that justice is served. We will not rest until those responsible are brought to account... Let us show respect and compassion, rather than allowing opportunistic voices to turn this tragedy into a political spectacle. This is a time for unity, for mourning, and for remembering a leader who was deeply cherished by so many," he said in a post on X.

CPI leader D Raja said, "Murder of Baba Siddique is a matter of concern. What is happening in Mumbai is sad. How can someone sitting in jail claim this...Why is Union Home Minister Amit Shah silent on this, why is he not speaking anything about the crimes being committed in Maharahstra."

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam says, "The way Baba Siddique was murdered is a matter of concern. The government has taken it as a challenge. It is a challenge for the government. But to conclude on the basis of one incident that the entire law and order has collapsed, I think this is an exaggeration. By saying such things, the opposition is doing the politics. At the time of such incidents, one should not do politics but should work and support the government. The Mumbai Police and the Crime Branch of the police are seriously investigating this case."

The suspects in the murder case of NCP leader Baba Siddique disclosed that his son, Zeeshan, was also an intended target of the shooters, as revealed by the Mumbai Police. The accused confessed during questioning that they were contracted to eliminate both Zeeshan and Baba Siddiqui, and were instructed to shoot whoever they encountered.

It has come to light that Zeeshan Siddiqui, Baba Siddiqui's son, had been receiving threats in the days leading up to the tragic incident.

In a related development, Pravin Lonkar was apprehended by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch in Pune on Monday, in connection with the murder case of NCP leader Baba Siddique.

Congress leader Udit Raj on Monday raised concerns over the recent murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and questioned the competence of the Maharashtra government and the home minister.

Speaking to ANI, Udit Raj said, "This is not an ordinary incident. He was threatened and then murdered. The question arises whether the government is competent, is the Home Minister competent? Should he remain in office? Gangsters are operating from jail and what is the Home Minister of our country and the Home Minister of Maharashtra doing?"

Earlier in the day, Mumbai Police Crime branch arrested Pravin Lonkar from Pune in connection with Baba Siddique's Murder case.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched an attack on the Maharashtra government following the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, claiming that gang wars and underworld influence have surged in Mumbai under the current administration.

Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan on Monday termed the murder of Baba Siddique as unfortunate for Maharashtra. He urged minority communities and Bollywood to seek government help if they face any threat, stating that the Maharashtra Police is capable of dealing with such miscreants.

Speaking to ANI Khan said, "The murder of Baba Siddique is unfortunate for Maharashtra. It is being said that whoever will support or be in contact with Actor Salman Khan, would meet the same fate (as Baba Siddique). All the minority communities and people from Bollywood please contact the administration if you receive any such threats. I want to ensure them that the government is with them. If you look into the history of Maharashtra, you can see how the police ended the gang wars in Maharashtra. Maharashtra Police is efficient in teaching a lesson to such miscreants."

Zeeshan Siddique, son of Baba Siddique had received threats a few days before the incident took place. The accused told during interrogation that both Zeeshan and Baba Siddique were on the target and they were ordered to fire on anyone they found. Zeeshan Siddique was also the target of the accused. The accused were given a contract to kill both Zeeshan and Baba Siddique: Mumbai police

Demanding a CBI Investigation into the murder of NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Baba Siddique, Congress leader Rashid Alvi questioned the law and order situation in Maharashtra.

Alvi claimed that the arrests related to the case appear questionable and suggested that they were intended to conceal the police's incompetence.

"He was a well-known politician of Maharashtra. Earlier, he was in our party, then he joined Ajit Pawar's faction. He was provided with security. Despite that, he was shot by strangers. It is a concerning matter. Is there no law and order? If Baba Siddique can be murdered like this, then how the common man of Maharashtra would feel safe?" Alvi said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, lashed out at the Maharashtra government over the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique on Monday, alleging that gang wars and underworld influence have risen in Mumbai under the current government.

Speaking to reporters, Raut also challenged Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde to confront the conspirators involved in the case and prove his 'Singhamgiri.'

"I had said earlier also that under this government, gang wars and the power of the underworld in Mumbai can increase. This government also has the support of the underworld, and that underworld is being run from Gujarat," Raut said.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also referred to the recent seizure of drugs worth Rs 5,000 crores in Gujarat.

On the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, Congress leader Udit Raj says, "This is not an ordinary incident. He was threatened and then murdered. The question arises whether the government is competent, is the Home Minister competent? Should he remain in office? Gangsters are operating from jail and what is the Home Minister of our country and the Home Minister of Maharashtra doing?"

On Baba Siddique's murder case, Congress leader Mumtaz Patel says, "It is your (BJP) government and such a big leader was killed openly under your protection. Lawrence Bishnoi is running such a big operation from Gujarat's jail. You recently saw that in Delhi too a murder case happened. So, if this is happening openly, then what is the government doing."

Mumbai Police Crime branch on Monday arrested Pravin Lonkar from Pune in connection with NCP leader Baba Siddique's Murder case.

According to Mumbai Police, Pravin is the brother of Shubuu Lonkar who posted on social media that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has taken responsibility for the murder.

Shubuu Lonkar is absconding at the moment. Police say, Pravin Lonkar gave shelter to both the arrested accused in Pune.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, "I had said earlier also that after this government, gang wars and the power of the underworld in Mumbai can increase. This government also has the support of the underworld and that underworld is being run from Gujarat. Today drugs worth Rs 5,000 crore have been seized in Gujarat. This means that drugs worth Rs 50,000 crore have already been distributed in the country."

"A gangster who is lodged in Gujarat's Sabarmati jail and is in the custody of Gujarat ATS takes responsibility for the murder of Baba Siddique. This is a challenge for the Union Home Minister who is from Gujarat. Ajit Pawar should demand Amit Shah's resignation. He (CM Shinde) declared himself Singham after shooting Akshay Shinde (accused in Badlapur sexual assault case). Now show this 'Singhamgiri' here. If you have the courage and you are a man, then encounter the conspirators of Baba Siddiqui's murder case," he added.

He played peacemaker between one-time warring superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan at what was one of the most viral moments of 2013 before the social media rage kicked in and was a protege, even a second son, to cinema veteran Sunil Dutt. NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, who was shot dead on Saturday night, epitomised the symbiotic relationship between politics and the Hindi film industry.

His grand iftar parties were a starry affair attended by right from the Khans to filmmaker Kabir Khan, celebrity designer Manish Malhotra, and actors Urmila Matondkar, Katrina Kaif, Huma Qureshi, Sonu Sood, Sushant Singh Rajput, Ankita Lokhande, Kiara Advani, R Madhavan, and Aditi Rao Hydari.

Dutt's daughter and Congress leader Priya Dutt said she is "shocked" by Siddique's death.

Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was gunned down in Bandra despite being under Y-category security protection. The assassination, which has sent shockwaves across the state, was executed with precise planning, involving detailed surveillance of Siddique's movements over several months.

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde addressed the state's law and order situation following the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique, stating that the government is committed to ensuring public safety and will ensure that the accused responsible for such crimes will be held accountable and will not be left unpunished.

Shinde confirmed that Mumbai police have arrested two individuals in connection with the case and reiterated that the safety of Maharashtra's citizens is a top priority for the government.

Speaking to ANI, Shinde said on Sunday, "Yesterday's incident of Baba Siddique's murder is unfortunate and sad. Mumbai Police has arrested two people, one is from UP and the other from Haryana. The third accused is absconding. He will be arrested soon. They will not be spared no matter who they are be it the Bishnoi gang or any underworld gang. Strict action will be taken. Those who are receiving threats, their safety is the state government's responsibility and it will fulfil its responsibility."

Baba Siddique, a former minister in Maharashtra, was tragically shot and killed in Mumbai. The 66-year-old leader was well-known in Bollywood circles and had gained recognition for his efforts in providing essential medicines to those in need during the Covid pandemic. At the height of the crisis, he worked tirelessly to secure highly sought-after medications for patients who required them urgently.

Siddique was also famous for hosting lavish Iftar parties, which were attended by prominent Bollywood celebrities. He had a strong presence in Maharashtra politics, having represented the Bandra (West) constituency in the state assembly for three terms. As a prominent Muslim leader in Mumbai, he maintained close relationships with several Bollywood stars, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Sanjay Dutt.

Zeeshan Siddique, Baba Siddique's son, currently serves as a Congress MLA from Mumbai, carrying forward his father's legacy in the political arena.

Two youths involved in the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique are from the same village in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. Both of them were from regular families and had no criminal history, police said on Sunday. Baba Siddique (66), a former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead by three assailants in Mumbai on Saturday night.

Two of the accused, Dharmaraj Kashyap and Shiv Kumar alias Shiva Gautam, are residents of Gandara village in Bahraich.

Superintendent of Police Vrinda Shukla said both of them were working at a scrap shop in Pune, Maharashtra. They have no criminal history in Bahraich, he said.

Ossification test on Dharmaraj Kashyap, an accused in the murder case of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, confirmed that he is not a minor, according to officials. The ossification test was ordered by the Esplanade Court on Sunday following discrepancies regarding Kashyap's age.

The Mumbai police have arrested a 28-year-old individual from Pune in connection with the Baba Siddique murder case. The arrested man, identified as Pravin Lonkar, along with his brother, is accused of "enlisting" two out of the three alleged shooters involved in the crime, according to an official statement. The police have labeled Lonkar as a "co-conspirator" and are currently searching for his brother, Shubham Lonkar. This marked the third arrest made in the investigation of Siddique's murder.

On Saturday night, NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique (66) was ambushed by three individuals at Kher Nagar in Mumbai's Bandra area, just outside the office of his MLA son, Zeeshan Siddique. The assailants opened fire on Siddique, who was immediately rushed to the Lilavati Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, as reported by the Mumbai police.

According to a crime branch official on Sunday, Pravin and Shubham are accused of "enlisting" two of the alleged shooters, namely Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, and Shivkumar Gautam.

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Malook Nagar expressed condolences over the demise of NCP leader Baba Siddique and called for unity between the ruling party and the opposition in Maharashtra in the wake of the incident.

Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Nagar said, "It is the responsibility of both the party in power and the opposition to stand united when such a big incident happens. The strictest investigation and punishment, as per the Constitution, should be ensured, and I believe the government will do that."

He emphasised the gravity of the incident, saying, "It is a very unfortunate incident. This is our financial capital, and also home to film stars--such an event is significant."

Nagar expressed confidence in the government's ability to conduct a thorough probe and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Two of the three suspects involved in the murder of former MLA Ziauddin ‘Baba’ Siddique in Bandra have been identified as Dharmaraj Kashyap and Shivkumar Gautam, both hailing from Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh, while the third suspect, Gurnail Singh, is from Haryana’s Kaithal.

The court on Sunday ordered ossification test for one of the accused in the murder case of Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique.This came after the court witnessed disagreements over the age of Dharamraj Kashayap.

The Mumbai police have confirmed that Dharmaraj Kashyap, who is accused of murdering former Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique, is not a minor based on the results of an ossification test. The test, which assesses a person's age by examining the extent of bone fusion, is a standard method for determining age.

After the test results were obtained, Kashyap was brought before the court, which remanded him to police custody until October 21.

The ossification test was ordered by Mumbai's Esplanade Court in response to a claim made by Kashyap's lawyer that he was a minor.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan on Sunday questioned the Maharashtra government's failure to provide security to NCP leader Baba Siddique.

He also claimed that the NCP leader had written a letter to the authorities detailing about death threats he received.

"I will pray to God to give strength to his family members, and a strict investigation should be conducted in this case. Baba had written a letter stating that he was receiving death threats, so why was security not provided to him? And if security was granted, where were they when he was attacked? What were they doing? People are asking us, telling us, 'Waris bhai, you should question this in the media, ask the police, and everyone about how this could happen in Bandra," Pathan told ANI.

Congress MP Imran Masood said on Sunday that the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique is "100 per cent a failure of Maharashtra government and law and order."

The MP further mentioned that the NCP leader had received death threats earlier.

"This is a sad incident; the death of a politician or anyone else is tragic. He was a famous person in Mumbai and worked for the people," Masood told ANI.

Speaking on the recent arrests made by Mumbai police in the case, he said, "He had received security earlier because he had gotten death threats. Someone first says that they will kill you, and then they kill you, so that is totally the government's failure--100 per cent a failure."

On NCP leader Baba Siddique's murder case, NCP-SCP leader Clyde Crasto says, "When the unfortunate incident happened when Baba Siddiqui was shot, people were passing by. People could have also been shot in the incident. The common man is also a victim. Maharashtra government should answer why they failed to provide security to Baba Siddique and the people of Maharashtra."

On law & order situation in state after Baba Siddique's murder, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said, "Yesterday's incident of Baba Siddique's murder is unfortunate and sad. Mumbai Police has arrested two people, one is from UP and the other from Haryana. The third accused is absconding...He will be arrested soon. They will not be spared no matter who they are be it the Bishnoi gang or any underworld gang. Strict action will be taken. Those who are getting threats, their safety is state government's responsibility and it will fulfil its responsibility."

Former Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique was cremated with full state honors at Bada Qabrastan on Sunday, following his murder in Mumbai on Saturday. Notable NCP leaders, including Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Ajit Pawar, attended the last rites.

Siddique was shot outside his office in Nirmal Nagar, sustaining two gunshot wounds to the chest. He was rushed to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital for emergency treatment but succumbed to his injuries later that night.

Dr Jalil Parkar, a physician at Lilavati Hospital, reported that Siddique was admitted around 9.30pm on Saturday. Upon arrival, he had unrecordable pulse and blood pressure, and his ECG showed a flat line. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, and he was quickly moved to the ICU.

Additionally, Mumbai police announced the arrest of fifth suspect in the murder case, identified as 28-year-old Pravin Lonkar, in Pune on Sunday.

"The incident that happened yesterday is very worrying and unfortunate. He was a very good person, he always helped everyone. This is a personal loss for us," he said. "Mumbai Police and the government will have to take stringent action in this incident. Two killers have been caught, one is absconding. I was told that they were living in Kurla for a week and were doing a recce of him (Baba Siddiqui), so who brought them and who gave the contract, this should be investigated as soon as possible," Sanjay Nirupam said.

"When a criminal incident happens, questions are raised about the government and the police, but after that, it would be a bit excessive to say that the entire law and order has collapsed. I ask those who are demanding resignation from Devendra Fadnavis to sit on his chair and then guarantee that such an incident will never happen again. There should be no politics in such cases," he added.

Baba Siddique's interment will shortly begin at Bada Qabrastan, Marine Lines. Several NCP, Congress leaders as well as RPI leaders have assembled to mourn his passing.

Earlier, Ajit Pawar had requested to not to politicise his murder.

"We are heartbroken, struggling to grasp the cruelty of this incident. This is not just a political loss, it's a deeply personal tragedy that has shaken us all," he said.

"I strongly urge everyone to resist the temptation to politicise this horrifying event. This is not the time for division or for exploiting the pain of others for political advantage. Right now, our focus must be on ensuring that justice is served," he added.

"We honour the immense grief of Baba Siddique's family, who have suffered the greatest loss. Let us show respect and compassion rather than allowing opportunistic voices to turn this tragedy into a political spectacle," he said.

In the Nirmal Nagar firing case, Pravin Lonkar, the 28-year-old brother of Shubham Lonkar, has been arrested from Pune. He is one of the conspirators who, along with Shubham Lonkar, enlisted Dharmaraj Kashyap and Shivkumar Gautam in the plot. Shubham Lonkar was arrested in Akola in February in an Arms Act.

Meanwhile, Gurmail Baljit Singh, a resident of Haryana accused of being one of the shooters in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, has a criminal history that includes a previous murder case, according to police. His family disowned him 11 years ago and is now demanding severe punishment for his actions.

Mumbai Police have arrested two alleged assailants: Singh and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh. The third suspect, Shiv Kumar, remains at large, with ongoing efforts to apprehend him.

The three men face charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including murder, as well as violations of the Arms Act and the Maharashtra Police Act.

His mortal remains were taken for last rites which was performed with full state honour at Bada Qabrastan, in Mumbai lines. This is the largest Muslim cemetery in Mumbai. Huge crowd and Zeashan his son pays last namaz to his father Baba Siddhique funneral at his house for last rites at the residents at Bandra pali Naka at in Mumbai on Sunday--Sanjay Hadkar.

"Baba Siddique didn't had a categorised security but he was given 3 security personnel from Mumbai police. At the time of the incident, one of our security personnel was there with him. We are investigating all angles to this case including Salman Khan and Lawrence Bishnoi's angles," Police said.

"Mumbai Crime Branch recovered two pistols from both the accused. The accused had brought pepper spray, first, the accused were about to spray and then they were about to fire but the third accused Shiv Kumar Gautam started firing directly. Three constables were with Baba Siddiqui and at the time of the incident also three constables were there but they could not do anything. One more person has been injured in this firing," he added.

Salman Khan paid his respects to close friend Baba Siddique at the late NCP leader's home in Bandra on Sunday. Siddique, 66, was shot outside his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique's office on Saturday night and later pronounced dead at Lilavati Hospital.

Accompanied by his bodyguard Shera, Salman was seen leaving Siddique's residence in the Maqba Heights apartments on Sunday evening. The 58-year-old actor navigated through a crowd, escorted by Shera and several police officials, as he made his way to a waiting black car.

Salman was among the first celebrities to visit the hospital on Saturday night to support Siddique's family. Other family members, including Sohail Khan, Sshura Khan, Arpita Khan Sharma, and Alvira Agnihotri, as well as friend Iulia Vantur, were also seen arriving at Siddique's home later that evening.

The Congress has called for a comprehensive investigation into the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, urging Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and home minister Devendra Fadnavis to take moral responsibility for the law and order failure and resign. Siddique, a 66-year-old former Maharashtra minister, was ambushed and shot dead by three assailants at Kher Nagar in Bandra, just outside his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique's office on Saturday night.

"The tragic demise of Baba Siddique ji is shocking and saddening. My thoughts are with his family in this difficult time. This horrifying incident exposes the complete collapse of law and order in Maharashtra. The government must take responsibility, and justice must prevail," Rahul Gandhi said on X.