New Delhi: In a major development, Shivkumar, the main accused in the murder of former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique, has reportedly said to police that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang orchestrated the assassination. Following his arrest in a coordinated operation by the Mumbai Crime Branch and UP STF in Bahraich, Shivkumar confessed that the Bishnoi gang had promised him Rs 10 lakh for the murder, along with ongoing monthly payments.
According to his confession, Shivkumar was connected to the gang through Shubham Lonkar, a known Bishnoi associate, who facilitated communication with Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol Bishnoi, over Snapchat. Following these discussions, Shivkumar said he was assured substantial compensation in exchange for carrying out the assassination. Gang members Shubham Lonkar and Mohammed Yasin Akhtar provided him with weapons, ammunition, and other logistical support.
Tracked Baba Siddique’s activities over several days
Shivkumar and his associates reportedly tracked Baba Siddique’s activities over several days, patiently waiting for the right moment. On October 12, 2024, amid a busy area and reduced police presence, they seized the opportunity and shot Siddique, fleeing immediately afterward. While two of his associates were apprehended on-site, Shivkumar managed to escape and began a cross-country journey from Pune to Bahraich via Jhansi and Lucknow, where he planned to cross into Nepal with assistance from his accomplices.
Police have since arrested Anurag Kashyap, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Akash Srivastava, and Akhileshendra Pratap Singh on charges of aiding Shivkumar’s escape. The suspects were held at Nanpara police station in Bahraich and will be transferred to Mumbai for further legal proceedings.
