In a chilling twist to the assassination of NCP leader Baba Siddique, the Mumbai Police have revealed that the assailants arrived armed with pepper spray, intended to incapacitate their target before unleashing deadly gunfire. As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement is exploring multiple angles, including potential links to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
On the night of the shooting, Siddique was attacked outside his sons' office in Nirmal Nagar, raising serious concerns over political safety in the region. DCP Crime Branch Datta Nalawade stated in a press briefing on Sunday, "We have arrested two shooters, while one remains absconding. We recovered two pistols and 28 live rounds from the accused. The investigation has been handed over to the Crime Branch, and we are probing the alleged involvement of Lawrence Bishnoi in this case."
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the assailants initially planned to use the pepper spray to blind Siddique, providing a tactical advantage before launching their assault. However, the plan unraveled when the third accomplice, Shiv Kumar Gautam, fired the first shot, causing chaos. ?The accused had brought pepper spray to immobilize Baba Siddique but failed to use it due to the immediate turn of events,? Nalawade explained.
The implications of this revelation have shocked many. The police noted that while Siddique was not assigned categorized security, he had three personnel from the Mumbai Police at the scene. ?Unfortunately, despite their presence, they were unable to prevent the attack. One additional person was also injured in the crossfire,? Nalawade added.
The aftermath of the shooting saw social media erupt with claims from alleged Bishnoi gang members suggesting Siddique's murder was linked to his proximity to Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who has been at the center of prior threats from the gang. The police are now investigating the authenticity of these claims to establish a clearer motive behind the attack.
With the investigation intensifying, authorities have formed 15 specialized teams to track down the absconding shooter. The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, reflecting the severity of the crime.
Mumbai's streets are on high alert as the investigation continues, with the police vowing to bring all responsible parties to justice. The involvement of gang elements in political assassinations poses a significant threat to the safety of public figures, urging officials to rethink security protocols for vulnerable leaders.
As the situation develops, the Mumbai Police remain committed to uncovering the full story behind this tragic event, emphasizing that they will pursue every lead to ensure justice for Baba Siddique and his family.
