Siddique Shooter Arrested After Investigation
Breakthrough in Siddique Case Investigation
Mumbai Police, with help from the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), made significant progress in the Siddique case shooter arrest. On Sunday, authorities apprehended Shivkumar Gautam, the prime suspect in the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique, in a remote location near the Nepal border. Four close friends of Gautam played a crucial role in leading police to his hideout, as their suspicious activities were closely monitored by investigators.
Late-Night Calls Spark Investigation
The initial breakthrough in the Siddique case shooter arrest came from the late-night online conversations among Gautam’s four friends. These friends were under scrutiny after being noticed buying clothes of various sizes in Nanpara, a town near the border. Their plans to rendezvous with Gautam in a remote forested area, 10 kilometers from Nanpara, raised red flags and intensified police surveillance.
Escape Plan Foiled
The investigation revealed that Gautam’s friends intended to help him flee to Nepal. The four accomplices were constantly in touch with Gautam through internet calls made from mobile phones purchased in Lucknow. The late-hour conversations between them triggered suspicion, prompting authorities to heighten their surveillance. Police officials noted that the communication activities of these individuals played a vital role in the Siddique case shooter arrest.
Details of Gautam’s Escape Path
Gautam, who allegedly shot Siddique at close range on October 12 in Mumbai’s Bandra East, managed an elaborate escape plan. After the shooting, he quickly traveled from Bandra to Kurla and then took a local train to Thane. During the journey, he disposed of his mobile phone and bag to avoid detection. From Thane, he proceeded to Pune, where he boarded a train to Lucknow in the early hours of October 13. To avoid being traced, Gautam borrowed mobile phones from other passengers to contact his handlers.
Discovery and Capture
Upon arriving in Bahraich, Gautam moved on to Nanpara, seeking refuge in a small village of 10-15 huts near the Nepal border. Using human intelligence and tips from local sources, the Crime Branch honed in on a group of 10-12 people connected to Gautam. Four friends stood out due to their tech-savvy nature and suspicious activities, such as purchasing clothes for Gautam’s planned escape.
Surveillance confirmed that these individuals were arranging a meeting with Gautam. On Sunday, police teams intercepted the group on two motorcycles on a bridge outside Nanpara. The capture of these accomplices was instrumental in the Siddique case shooter arrest as they led the police directly to Gautam’s hideout.
Details of the Arrest
The coordinated efforts of Mumbai Crime Branch and UP STF paid off when Gautam was arrested in the secluded village. He had been hiding and monitoring news updates, learning about Siddique’s demise during his escape journey. The arrest marks a significant step in unraveling the motives and financial dealings behind the murder, with investigators now focusing on the procurement of firearms and potential co-conspirators.
Background on the Incident
Former Maharashtra minister and senior NCP leader Baba Siddique was tragically shot on October 12. The incident occurred outside the office of his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique, in Bandra East, Mumbai. Siddique was struck by two bullets in the chest and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Legal Proceedings
Following the Siddique case shooter arrest, a Mumbai court remanded Shivkumar Gautam and the four friends in police custody until November 19. This step will aid investigators in examining financial transactions and tracing the procurement of weapons used in the crime.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and official statements. For legal and official details, please refer to authorized sources.