Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Claims Responsibility for Baba Siddique’s Murder; 2 Arrested

Mumbai: The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has reportedly claimed responsibility for the murder of former Maharashtra minister and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Baba Siddique.

The 66-year-old politician was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Mumbai’s Bandra East on Saturday night. The shooting occurred around 9:30 PM, with Siddique targeted by three assailants, according to the police.

Two suspects, Gurmail Baljit Singh (23) from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap (19) from Uttar Pradesh have been arrested. A third suspect, Shiv Kumar from UP, remains at large, along with a fourth individual believed to be the handler.

Police revealed that the attackers had been monitoring Siddique for months, carrying out reconnaissance of his residence and office. They were reportedly paid ₹50,000 each in advance for the assassination and firearms were provided to them just days before the murder.

Siddique, a well-known figure with allies across political lines, was shot in the chest and abdomen area.

His death has sparked outrage, with widespread condemnation from political leaders. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the incident “shocking beyond words” and demanded a thorough investigation, while Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the law and order situation in Maharashtra.

The killing has ignited a political warfare, with Congress accusing the ruling BJP of allowing a “complete collapse of law and order.” Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have heightened security around Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence, which was also the site of a previous shooting linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. In April 2024, the gang had allegedly issued a ₹25 lakh contract to assassinate Khan.

Both arrested suspects are currently in police custody, while the search for the remaining individuals continues.