In a significant breakthrough, the Mumbai Crime Branch and Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) apprehended Shiv Kumar Gautam, the primary shooter in the murder case of NCP leader Baba Siddique. Gautam, who was attempting to flee to Nepal, was captured in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, along with four accomplices who had assisted him during his time on the run. The joint operation involved meticulous tracking over 25 days, culminating in his arrest on Sunday.

Gautam, linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, revealed that the murder of Siddique was carried out under orders from Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence’s brother. Gautam’s connection to Anmol Bishnoi was facilitated by Shubham Lonkar, a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi. Gautam disclosed that after shooting Siddique outside his son MLA Zeeshan Siddique's office in Bandra East on October 12, he discarded his mobile phone and evaded capture by traveling through various locations, including Pune, Jhansi, Lucknow, and eventually Bahraich.

Anmol Bishnoi, currently wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) with a reward of Rs 10 lakh on his capture, is known for his involvement in several high-profile cases, including the firing incident outside actor Salman Khan's residence and the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Police confirmed that Anmol communicated with Gautam and other shooters using Snapchat and even shared an image of Zeeshan Siddique.

The operation, led by API Amol Mali of the Mumbai Crime Branch, involved 26 officers who collaborated with UP STF to ensure Gautam’s capture before his planned escape to Nepal. With Gautam’s arrest, a total of 23 individuals have been detained in connection with Siddique's murder.

The suspects are currently being transported to Mumbai for further interrogation, where investigators aim to uncover more details about the Bishnoi gang’s operations and hierarchy.