Baba Siddiqui NEW DELHI: The Mumbai crime branch has arrested two more suspects from Pune in connection with the high-profile murder of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique. This brings the total number of arrests in the case to 18. The latest arrests come just a day after 23-year-old Gaurav Vilas Apune, who was allegedly part of the conspiracy to kill Siddique, was detained in Pune.
Apune is reportedly a key figure in the case due to his connections with both wanted accused Shubham Lonkar and arrested accused Ram Kanoujia. He was arrested after the questioning of other suspects revealed his involvement in the plot. According to officials, Apune had been promised a substantial reward for his role in the murder, including Rs 25 lakh, a flat, and a vehicle.
He had also received firearms training from some of the absconding suspects and even fired bullets as part of his training. Police say Apune was carrying a firearm and ammunition, which he later passed to another wanted suspect. A search is ongoing for the weapon.
Siddique, 66, was killed by three gunmen on October 12 near his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra. Investigations indicate that jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s younger brother Anmol, who is reportedly residing in Canada, orchestrated the killing. The motive behind the murder remains unclear, according to authorities.
The arrested suspects are currently under police remand as the investigation continues to uncover further detail.
