MCOCA Invoked in Baba Siddique Murder Case, 26 Arrested Including Main Shooter
Mumbai: The Mumbai Police has invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime (MCOC) Act in the high-profile murder case of former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique, officials confirmed on Saturday. The police have so far arrested 26 individuals, including the alleged main shooter, Shiv Kumar Gautam.
What is MCOCA?
The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) was enacted in 1999 to combat organized crime and terrorism in the state. It empowers the state government with special provisions to deal with crimes committed by organized criminal groups, including the use of relaxed evidentiary standards and more stringent penalties. Notably, confessions made under MCOCA are admissible in court, and the law makes it difficult for accused individuals to secure bail.
Details of the Baba Siddique Murder
Baba Siddique, 66, was shot dead on October 12, 2024, by three assailants outside his son MLA Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra East, Mumbai. Siddique was rushed to Lilavati Hospital with two gunshot wounds to his chest, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation revealed a complex plot, with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol Bishnoi, allegedly playing a central role in the murder. Anmol was arrested in the United States for his involvement in the murder and for firing outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence.
Investigation Developments
Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch uncovered that Akashdeep Gill, one of the prime suspects, used a labourer’s mobile hotspot in Punjab to communicate with the key conspirators, including Anmol Bishnoi. The investigation has also indicated that after Baba Siddique’s murder, another prominent Pune leader was targeted by the Bishnoi gang.
Key suspects Shubham Lonkar and Zishan Mohammad Akhtar remain on the run.
Ongoing Investigation
The police are continuing their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring justice to the victim. The use of MCOCA in this case highlights the seriousness with which the police are treating the involvement of organized criminal elements in the murder.
