Baba Siddique Murder Mastermind Detained In Canada: Mumbai Police

In a significant breakthrough, Zeeshan Akhtar, suspected to be the mastermind behind the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, has been detained in Canada. Mumbai Police sources indicate that Akhtar, a key figure in the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, is currently under Canadian police custody. He is accused of orchestrating Siddique's assassination and managing the shooters involved.

Akhtar's real name is Mohammad Yasin Akhtar, and he hails from Jalandhar, Punjab. He has a criminal background and was previously arrested by Punjab Police in 2022 for unrelated charges. His involvement came to light during the investigation into Siddique's murder on October 12, 2024, in Mumbai's Bandra area.

Connection with Lawrence Bishnoi Gang

The police charge sheet reveals Akhtar as a close associate of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Bishnoi is linked to several high-profile killings across India. Akhtar reportedly met the Bishnoi gang while imprisoned in Punjab, sharing space with shooter Gurmel Singh. Before his transfer to another jail, Akhtar allegedly discussed plans to assassinate Siddique with Singh.

Mumbai Police investigations uncovered that Akhtar and another gang member, Shubham Lonkar, were tasked with planning the murder in May 2024. Akhtar arranged weapons and accommodation for the shooters. A month before the killing, he left Mumbai to avoid suspicion.

Role in Assassination Plot

After his release from jail, Akhtar travelled to Kaithal in Haryana to meet Gurmel Singh. Together with Dharmaraj Kashyap and Shivkumar Gautam, they facilitated their journey to Mumbai and set up their base before the attack. Akhtar's involvement further strengthens suspicions about his ties with organised crime syndicates operating both in India and abroad.

Indian authorities are expected to collaborate with Canadian counterparts for Akhtar's extradition. Given the case's high-profile nature and national security implications, law enforcement agencies are prioritising legal procedures to bring him back to India.

Impact on Political Landscape

The murder of Baba Siddique sent shockwaves across Maharashtra's political landscape. With Akhtar now detained abroad, investigators hope further revelations could unravel deeper international criminal networks linked to this case.