In a significant breakthrough in the high-profile murder case of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, the most wanted accused Zeeshan Akhtar has been arrested by Punjab Police. Akhtar was apprehended in Jalandhar along with an accomplice, as authorities foiled a plot to bomb the residence of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia.
According to police officials, Zeeshan Akhtar was involved in both the murder of Baba Siddique and the failed bomb plot in Punjab. The arrest came after Punjab Police detained two suspects allegedly planning to carry out an explosion at BJP leader Kalia’s house. During interrogation, one of the suspects was identified as Zeeshan Akhtar.
Following the arrest, further investigation revealed that Zeeshan is not only a prime suspect in the bomb conspiracy but also the mastermind behind Siddique’s murder in Mumbai. The brutal murder occurred on October 12, 2024, near Kherwadi Signal in Bandra, when Baba Siddique was gunned down in broad daylight. He sustained bullet wounds to the stomach and chest and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Investigative agencies have confirmed that Zeeshan Akhtar and Shubham Lonkar orchestrated Siddique’s murder by instructing their gang members and planning the execution in detail. Mumbai Police had been tracking Akhtar for several months prior to his arrest in Punjab.
The following individuals have already been arrested in connection with the case:
Harish Kumar – Resident of Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh
Gurmail Baljit Singh – Resident of Kaithal, Haryana
Dharmaraj Kashyap – Resident of Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh
Praveen Lonkar – Resident of Pune, Maharashtra
With Zeeshan Akhtar now in custody, the investigation is expected to gather momentum.
Punjab Police has taken Zeeshan into custody and is working closely with Mumbai Police to expand the investigation. Authorities are currently probing his network of associates, past criminal activities, and possible links to other crimes. Police sources indicate that further arrests of absconding accused are imminent.
The dual involvement of Zeeshan Akhtar in both organized political violence and a terrorist plot has raised serious concerns, prompting intensified coordination between state agencies.