Baba Siddique Murder Case: Key Accused Zeeshan Akhtar Arrested in Canada

In a significant breakthrough in the high-profile Baba Siddique murder case, the long-absconding accused Zeeshan Akhtar alias Jassi Purewal has been arrested in Canada. Law enforcement agencies confirmed that Akhtar, one of the prime suspects in the killing of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, was apprehended after a prolonged international manhunt. Baba Siddique, a close aide of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and a political figure with strong connections in both the political and entertainment spheres, was assassinated on October 12, 2024. He was shot dead outside Zeeshan Siddiqui’s office during the late evening hours. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang had claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging Siddique’s close ties with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as the motive behind the targeted killing.

Zeeshan Akhtar, who was reportedly present at the crime scene at the time of the shooting, managed to flee India soon after the incident. He is believed to have escaped to Canada using a forged passport, allegedly with the assistance of Pakistani underworld figure Shahzad Bhatti. Akhtar hails from Shankar village in Nakodar, Jalandhar, and has a notorious criminal record. He is wanted in at least nine criminal cases, including charges of murder, targeted killings, and robbery. His criminal network is believed to have expanded after he established links with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang while incarcerated, where he met the gang’s top shooter, Vikram Brar.

Following his arrest in Canada, efforts are underway to extradite Akhtar to India. Authorities have confirmed that he will be brought to Mumbai, where an extensive interrogation will take place. Officials believe that his questioning may unravel critical information and expose deeper layers of conspiracy behind Baba Siddique’s murder. The arrest marks a major development in the investigation and could potentially lead to the identification of other individuals involved in the crime. Law enforcement agencies are also looking into the broader role of transnational crime syndicates linked to the Bishnoi gang and their operations across India and abroad. Further details are expected as the extradition process progresses and the interrogation begins.