In a notable update on the Baba Siddique murder case, a Mumbai court has remanded one alleged shooter in police custody until October 21, while ordering a bone ossification test for another suspect claiming to be a minor. The murder raises concerns of political motives as authorities investigate potential connections and links to broader networks amid upcoming elections.
Mumbai: In a significant development in the high-profile Baba Siddique murder case, a Mumbai court on Sunday remanded one of the two alleged shooters in police custody till October 21 and ordered a bone ossification test for the other accused after he claimed he was a minor. The brutal killing of the former politician has shocked the city and sparked widespread speculation about potential political motives behind the crime, given the approaching Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The Incident
Baba Siddique, aged 66, was shot in the Nirmal Nagar area of Bandra East around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, but despite efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. Siddique, a former Congress MLA who had recently joined the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was a prominent Muslim leader in Mumbai and well-known for his close connections with Bollywood celebrities.
Accused in Custody: Political Rivalry or Other Motives?
The two alleged shooters, Gurmail Singh from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh, were quickly apprehended by the police. During the remand hearing, the police indicated that the murder might have been politically motivated, particularly with the upcoming elections in Maharashtra. The police requested a 14-day remand to investigate further, probing whether any political rivalry might be behind the crime.
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The court granted the remand of Gurmail Singh until October 21, while ordering a bone ossification test for Kashyap, who claimed to be 17 years old and, therefore, a minor. The outcome of this test will determine if Kashyap will face charges in a regular court or a juvenile court.
Age Discrepancy Raises Questions
During the hearing, Kashyap’s lawyer claimed he was a minor, which, if proven, could significantly change the course of legal proceedings. However, the police submitted an Aadhaar card recovered during the investigation that listed Kashyap’s age as 21. Interestingly, the defense admitted that the details on the Aadhaar card, apart from the photograph, were accurate. This contradiction has led the court to order a bone ossification test to ascertain Kashyap’s true age, which is critical in determining the nature of his trial.
Police Investigation and Future Steps
As the investigation progresses, the police are focusing on several aspects of the case. They revealed that 28 live bullets were recovered from the accused, indicating their intention to commit further crimes. The police are also looking into how the accused obtained the weapon and vehicle used in the murder, as well as who provided them with firearms training. Furthermore, authorities are investigating whether the accused received external funding during their stay in Mumbai and Pune prior to the crime.
Given the sensitive nature of the case, the police have formed ten special teams to expedite the investigation. Two other individuals are reportedly still wanted in connection with the murder, and authorities are working to trace their whereabouts.
Political and International Links?
Apart from probing local political rivalries, investigators have not ruled out the possibility of international links. During the hearing, the prosecution emphasized that the murder of a former minister with security protection raised red flags, especially since the killing was executed despite heightened security measures.
The defense, however, has argued that the involvement of Singh and Kashyap in the crime has not yet been definitively proven. Advocate Sidharth Agarwal, representing the accused, stated that while the murder of Siddique was “very sad and disheartening,” the role of his clients in the crime had not been firmly established. Agarwal further claimed that the two men had been falsely implicated due to the political nature of the murder.
Siddique’s Legacy
Baba Siddique, a three-time Congress MLA from Bandra West, was a well-known political figure in Mumbai. He had lost elections in 2014 and 2019 but remained a significant player in the city’s political scene, especially after his switch to the NCP earlier this year. His murder has sent shockwaves through the political and public spheres, with many speculating about the potential motives behind the assassination.
As the investigation continues, the case is likely to reveal more details about the potential political implications and connections to other individuals involved. For now, all eyes are on the police and the results of the ongoing investigation, particularly the bone ossification test that will determine the future legal course for Dharamraj Kashyap.
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