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Mumbai Crime Branch Arrests 5 more accused in NCP Leader Baba Siddique Murder Case
The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested five more people in connection with the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, following an extensive operation in districts surrounding Mumbai.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Nitin Sapre (32), Sambhaji Kisan Pardhi (44), Ram Phoolchand Kannaujiya (43), Pradeep Dattu Thombre (37), and Chetan Dilip Pardhi (27). Three were apprehended in Ambernath, one in Panvel, and another in Dombivli. All suspects have been remanded to police custody till October 25.
Investigation has revealed that a Turkish-made Tisas pistol was used by the shooter, Shiv Kumar Gautam to kill Baba Siddique. To carry out the crime, the shooters were provided with three firearms, including the Tisas, an Australian Glock, and a locally made pistol. These weapons were sourced from North India and delivered via courier in September 2024.
Further interrogation unveiled that Nitin Sapre and Ram Kannaujiya are the masterminds behind this gang, and they maintained continuous contact with Shubham Lonkar and Zeeshan Akhtar from the Bishnoi gang. According to the Crime Branch, these five accused played a crucial role in planning Siddique's murder and facilitating logistical support for the shooters.
Investigators narrowed down on the accused after analyzing leads from the four suspects previously arrested. This led to a large-scale raid conducted by the Crime Branch on Thursday night in Ambernath, Panvel, and Dombivli.
According to a Crime Branch official, the shooters, Shiv Kumar Gautam and Dharamraj Kashyap, stayed with these individuals in Karjat for a night in August 2024. During their stay, they practiced firing, and Nitin Sapre had arranged accommodation for them. The shooters remained in close contact with Sapre, Kannaujiya, Zeeshan Akhtar, and Shubham Lonkar.
On Akhtar and Lonkar's instructions, the accused provided weapons and money to the shooters. Authorities suspect that local contacts in Mumbai assisted the gang with reconnaissance of Siddique's residence and office, as well as during the murder. Efforts to identify these local contacts are ongoing.
Nitin Sapre and Ram Kannaujiya, the leaders of the gang responsible for supplying the firearms, have multiple cases filed against them under the Murder and Arms Acts at various police stations in Maharashtra. Sapre had also served time in prison for a murder case in 2015.
Prior to this operation, the Crime Branch had already arrested four other suspects Gurmel Singh, Dharamraj Kashyap, Harish Nishad, and Praveen Lonkar. With the latest arrests, a total of nine individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the case, while three suspects remain at large.
