Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar, a native of Jalandhar, Punjab, is said to be the handler of the assailants who killed former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique on Saturday. The tragic incident occurred around 9:30 PM when three assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at Siddique. They fired six rounds of bullets from a 9.9 MM pistol. Baba Siddique was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in a critical condition, where doctors declared him dead.

As per police sources, cited by NDTV, Akhtar came in contact with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang while he was lodged in Patiala Jail. After his release, he relocated to Mumbai.

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Investigators revealed that Akhtar played a key role in the operation, acting as the handler for the shooters responsible for Siddique’s assassination. On the day of the incident, he was in constant touch with them, providing real-time updates on Siddique’s movements. Additionally, Akhtar facilitated logistics by securing accommodation for the shooters.

Three men were involved in the fatal shooting. One of them, Gurmel Singh, hails from the Narad Village in Kaithal district, Haryana. The other two suspects are from Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh. Gurmel and one accomplice, who claims to be underage, were taken into custody shortly after the incident. The third accused was nabbed from Pune on Sunday. 28-year-old Pravin Lonkar allegedly hired shooters for the attack on Baba Siddique.

Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar, who hails from Shakar Village in Nakodar, Jalandhar, was arrested in 2022 on charges related to organised crime, murder and robbery. During his incarceration in Patiala jail, Akhtar came into contact with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, where he was allegedly assigned the task of orchestrating Baba Siddique’s murder.

According to police sources, Akhtar was released from jail on June 7 and immediately travelled to Haryana’s Kaithal to meet Gurmel Singh, one of the shooters. From there, the shooters proceeded to Mumbai, where they established a hideout in preparation for the assassination.

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Following Siddique’s killing, Akhtar managed to escape. Sources indicate that he is still believed to be hiding in Mumbai. As many as five police teams have been formed and rushed to different states to nab accused and bring them to justice.