INVC NEWS
Mumbai – The Baba Siddique murder case has taken a critical turn as one of the accused, who initially claimed to be a minor, has now been proven to be an adult through a bone ossification test. This test, ordered by a Mumbai court, has shifted the legal proceedings in a significant way. Below, we explore the details surrounding this development and its potential impact on the case.
What Led to the Bone Ossification Test?
When the accused, Dharamraj Kashyap, along with another co-accused Gurmail Baljeet Singh, was presented in court, Kashyap claimed he was only 17 years old. This claim was a pivotal point in the case, as it would determine whether Kashyap would be tried as a minor or an adult.
Kashyap’s lawyer presented this claim in court, but the prosecution immediately raised objections, pointing to Kashyap’s Aadhaar card. According to the card, his birth year was listed as 2003, making him 21 years old at the time of the crime. However, inconsistencies arose as the name on the Aadhaar card differed, and Kashyap lacked official documentation like a birth certificate or school leaving certificate to verify his age. This led to the court ordering a bone ossification test.
What Is a Bone Ossification Test?
A bone ossification test is a medical procedure used to estimate an individual’s age by examining the X-rays of specific bones. In Kashyap’s case, this test was crucial because it provided scientific evidence regarding his age, beyond what was claimed or listed on documents. After conducting the test, it was confirmed that Kashyap was indeed an adult, not a minor as he initially claimed. This revelation could greatly influence the charges and penalties he may face.
Court’s Decision After the Test
Following the test results, the Mumbai Esplanade Court ordered Kashyap to remain in judicial custody until October 21, further tightening the case against him. The prosecution now has solid grounds to argue that Kashyap should be tried as an adult, significantly increasing the legal stakes for him.
Third Accused Arrested in the Case
In a significant breakthrough, Mumbai Police also arrested a third suspect involved in the conspiracy. This individual, a 28-year-old from Pune, was reportedly collaborating with his brother, Shubham Lonkar, in the murder plot. While two of the primary shooters—Gurmail Baljeet Singh and Dharamraj Kashyap—are in custody, a third shooter, Shiv Kumar (also known as Shiv Gautam), remains at large.
Police Identify Mastermind Behind the Murder
As investigations continue, authorities have identified Mohammed Zeeshan Akhtar as the alleged mastermind behind Baba Siddique’s murder. Akhtar’s involvement, combined with the connection to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, paints a picture of a well-organized contract killing. The gang, infamous for its violent activities, had been targeting Siddique for a significant period.
The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Connection
During interrogation, the arrested shooters revealed connections to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal syndicate responsible for various contract killings across India. This gang has long been under police scrutiny for its links to high-profile crimes, including threats to Bollywood actor Salman Khan.
The gang’s involvement in the Baba Siddique murder case deepens the complexity of the investigation. On social media, a message allegedly posted by a gang member claimed responsibility for Siddique’s killing, citing the victim’s close ties to Salman Khan as a potential motive. The police are actively investigating this lead to confirm its validity.
The Assassination of Baba Siddique
Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister and a prominent leader within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was assassinated on a Saturday night outside his office in Mumbai. His murder shocked political and public circles alike, as he was a well-known figure in the state’s political arena.
The investigation has revealed that Siddique’s assassination was a carefully planned contract killing, orchestrated by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. This has prompted the police to pursue leads on whether the gang had further plans to target other high-profile individuals.
What Lies Ahead in the Investigation?
With the bone ossification test proving Kashyap’s adulthood and the arrest of a third conspirator, the investigation is making rapid progress. The police are now focusing on tracking down Shiv Kumar and further probing Mohammed Zeeshan Akhtar’s involvement in orchestrating the assassination.
The focus of the case has now shifted towards uncovering more details about the Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s long-term plans. Authorities are also investigating whether the gang intended to use this murder to send a broader message to its rivals and the public. Given the gang’s history of targeting Bollywood figures, the link to Salman Khan is being taken seriously by the police.
