The investigation into the murder of NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Baba Siddique has taken a new turn, with possible links traced to Pakistan. A viral audio-video clip of fugitive accused Zeeshan Akhtar has surfaced on social media, where he claims that Pakistani gangster Shehzad Bhatti assisted him in escaping and provided shelter. The Mumbai Crime Branch is currently verifying the authenticity of this clip. Police had earlier received inputs suggesting that Zeeshan was hiding in Nainital, Uttarakhand.
In the viral clip, Zeeshan claims to be far from Asia and even issues threats to his rivals. The Mumbai Police are scrutinizing these claims as part of their ongoing probe. Meanwhile, 26 accused linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang have been booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in connection with Siddique’s murder, including Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol Bishnoi. While Zeeshan claims to have fled the country, investigators suspect he is still in India. Reports also indicate that he had made extortion calls from Jalandhar, Punjab, about a month ago.
Before Baba Siddique’s assassination, Zeeshan Akhtar and co-accused Shubham Lonkar were last seen together in Nainital, Uttarakhand. Both went missing after the incident. Prior to reaching Nainital, Zeeshan had also traveled to Delhi. While serving time in Kaithal Jail, Haryana, Zeeshan came in contact with Gurunail Singh, the shooter who allegedly opened fire on Siddique. After his release, Zeeshan assigned Gurunail the contract for the killing. Another arrested accused, Amit Nathi, was also in touch with Zeeshan. Additionally, sources suggest Zeeshan is addicted to heroin (chitta).
According to investigators, Zeeshan Akhtar was entrusted with planning and executing the attack on Baba Siddique. He allegedly gathered the shooters and coordinated the attack. However, he went underground a month before the murder, making it difficult for police to track him. The emergence of the viral clip has now stirred fresh controversy. If Zeeshan has indeed left the country, legal action will be initiated against him. However, Mumbai Police strongly suspect that he is still within India.
Baba Siddique was shot dead in October last year in Bandra East, Mumbai. The case remains under active investigation.