YouTube Tutorials Turn Deadly: How Baba Siddique's Killers Learned To Shoot Online

In a chilling revelation, the Mumbai Police has uncovered that two of the accused in the high-profile murder of former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique learned how to shoot by watching YouTube videos. The suspects, Gurmail Singh and Dharamraj Kashyap, turned to online resources for their training, practicing without a magazine, a move that has left investigators and the public shocked at the accessibility of such dangerous information.

The Gruesome Murder

Baba Siddique, 66, was gunned down outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's MLA office in Mumbai's Nirmal Nagar area last Saturday night. Three assailants ambushed him in what appears to have been a meticulously planned attack. Rushed to Lilavati Hospital, Siddique was pronounced dead shortly after, marking the end of a long political career and leaving the state in mourning.

The suspects had been planning the hit for 25 days, having surveyed Siddique's home and office. A photograph of Siddique was provided to the killers to ensure they could identify their target. What stands out, however, is the shocking revelation that the gunmen taught themselves to shoot by watching YouTube videos-a detail that underscores how easily accessible digital content can be weaponised.

Digital Tutorials Lead to Real-Life Violence

According to Mumbai Police, Gurmail Singh and Dharamraj Kashyap didn't have formal firearms training. Instead, they relied on online tutorials to master the basics of shooting, a process that appears to have culminated in the assassination of a senior political figure.

The gun used in the murder, a 7.62 mm firearm, was recovered from the suspects by the crime branch, along with a black bag containing other evidence.

Financial Support and Logistics Behind the Hit

The fourth accused, Harishkumar Balakram, 23, was arrested in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district. He was allegedly responsible for financing and coordinating logistics for the hit, adding another layer to the conspiracy. Balakram, a scrap dealer from Pune, employed two of the accused at his shop, further implicating him in the elaborate murder plot.

As the investigation deepens, it has become clear that the planning of Siddique's assassination began in Pune. Over 15 statements, including from eyewitnesses, have been recorded by the crime branch, painting a picture of a premeditated crime involving multiple players and months of preparation.

Bishnoi Gang Connection: Crime from Behind Bars

Adding to the complexity of the case is the revelation that the killers claimed affiliation with the notorious Bishnoi gang. Led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated in Gujarat's Sabarmati Jail, the gang has demonstrated its ability to orchestrate crimes even from inside prison walls. This has raised serious concerns about the influence and reach of organised crime networks operating from behind bars, not just in Maharashtra, but across India.

A Shocking Trend in Digital-Era Crime

The murder of Baba Siddique is a stark reminder of how technology can be exploited for nefarious purposes. The ease with which the accused accessed shooting tutorials online has sparked widespread concern. Platforms like YouTube, which are meant to share knowledge, have inadvertently become tools for criminal activities.

The Bottom Line

The assassination of Baba Siddique has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra, not just because of the loss of a veteran leader, but due to the disturbing revelations about the killers' methods. The use of YouTube to learn how to shoot and the involvement of the Bishnoi gang have put a spotlight on the intersections of technology, crime and law enforcement. As the Mumbai Police continue their investigation, this case serves as a wake-up call about the evolving threats posed by digital platforms in the modern age.