MUMBAI: The shocking murder of Baba Siddique, a prominent figure in Maharashtra's political landscape, has raised serious concerns about organized crime's influence in the region, and the police are leaving no stone unturned to apprehend the real masterminds behind the killing.

Shortly after the murder, a social media post allegedly from a member of the Bishnoi gang surfaced, claiming responsibility for the attack. The post said that Siddique was gunned down due to his close association with actor Salman Khan and earlier links to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. The post also claimed that the murder was to avenge the death of Anuj Thappan, one of the accused arrested in the case involving firing outside actor Salman Khan’s residence, who committed suicide in a police lockup.

This post quickly went viral, and although it was soon deleted, the police investigating its authenticity were able to trace the person. Based on the post, the police have identified a key conspirator, Shubham Lonkar, who reportedly posted the claim online. Police sources said that Lonkar, who is a resident of Akola in Maharashtra, had put the post from his account named ‘shubuu lonkar’ and is now absconding; however, the police managed to apprehend his brother Pravin Lonkar from Pune, who is alleged to be the co-conspirator.

According to a PTI report quoting crime branch officials, Pravin and Shubham 'enlisted' two alleged shooters, a UP resident and one Shivkumar Gautam. While Gautam is on the run, police have arrested the UP resident and another alleged shooter, identified as Gurmail Baljit Singh (23). 

Media reports say that the Lonkar brothers are connected with the leader of the gang, Lawrence Bishnoi, and have been involved in procuring and supplying arms to carry out hit jobs and recruiting shooters and that they had hired two of the three assailants involved in the firing, who were working at a scrap yard in Pune for the murder of Siddique.

The involvement of the Bishnoi gang, known for its violent tactics and criminal enterprises, raises alarms about the potential motives behind Siddique's assassination, including business rivalries and political disputes. Lawrence Bishnoi, currently incarcerated, has been a central figure in organized crime in India. His gang has been implicated in various criminal activities, including extortion and contract killings.

Siddique, a former minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, was shot dead outside his son's office in Mumbai. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he was pronounced dead after doctors failed to revive him.