Mumbai Police have made a significant breakthrough in the high-profile murder case of former three-time MLA Baba Siddique, with the arrest of Haryana resident Amit Hisamsing Kumar. The 29-year-old, hailing from Nathwan Patti in Kaithal, Haryana, is alleged to have close ties to the suspected mastermind Mohammed Zeeshan Akhtar. Police believe that Kumar’s role as an intermediary between the shooters and Akhtar could shed light on the intricate conspiracy behind Siddique’s assassination.
Amit Kumar’s Arrest: The 11th Suspect in Custody
Kumar, who was taken into custody by the Mumbai Crime Branch on Wednesday morning, has been remanded into police custody until November 4. His arrest adds to the growing list of suspects in the case, with a total of 14 people detained so far in connection with the murder. Police believe that Kumar’s connections and logistical support were critical to the planning and execution of the assassination plot.
Amit Kumar reportedly played a pivotal role by aiding Akhtar with both financial and logistical resources, which were used to orchestrate the attack on Siddique. According to investigators, Kumar served as an intermediary, transferring funds to Akhtar and maintaining connections with the other accused, particularly Gurmail Singh, one of the shooters currently in custody.
Financial and Logistical Support to Akhtar
The investigation revealed that Kumar facilitated Akhtar’s activities by transferring funds directly to him. According to police sources, Kumar transferred between ₹2 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh to Akhtar through eight separate instalments from a nationalized bank. This financial support was essential for Akhtar, who has been identified as the mastermind and is still evading capture.
Mumbai Police stated, “Amit Kumar’s role was instrumental in providing financial aid to Akhtar, bridging the connection between the conspirators and the executioners. He did not partake directly in the attack but played a crucial role behind the scenes.”
The Kumar-Akhtar Connection: A History of Criminal Associations
Further details from the investigation reveal that Kumar and Akhtar share a history. Both men were previously incarcerated in different jails; Akhtar served time in Jalandhar jail until June of this year for a riots-related case, while Kumar had been lodged in Kaithal jail. This shared background allowed for mutual acquaintances to introduce them, leading to the association that would later play a role in Siddique’s murder plot.
Upon release, Akhtar established himself in Kaithal, where he reportedly allied with gang members, including Kumar, through a network of shared contacts. Despite not being affiliated with a particular gang, Kumar’s wine shop in Kaithal brought him into contact with various gang members, providing a pathway to connect with individuals like Akhtar.
Role of Zeeshan Akhtar: The Alleged Mastermind Behind Siddique’s Murder
Mohammed Zeeshan Akhtar, suspected to be a member of the Vikram Brar gang, remains a key figure in the investigation. Akhtar, who has a criminal record with cases filed against him in Punjab’s Nakodar, was identified as the planner of the murder, coordinating efforts without physically traveling to Mumbai. Notably, Akhtar fled Kaithal eight days before the murder, avoiding direct involvement in the attack.
Akhtar’s ability to influence and coordinate criminal operations remotely has underscored his role as the mastermind, with Mumbai Police closely monitoring his movements and connections. However, he remains elusive, complicating efforts to fully dismantle the network involved in Siddique’s assassination.
Mumbai Police’s Ongoing Investigation: Unraveling the Conspiracy
The Mumbai Police are committed to uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy, with a focus on tracing financial transactions and analyzing connections between the suspects. Reports indicate that multiple suspects received funds in their accounts, suggesting a web of financial support underpinning the plot. Police are also investigating possible gang affiliations, noting Akhtar’s suspected association with the Vikram Brar gang, known for its involvement in criminal activities across northern India.
Police are treating Kumar as a significant link in piecing together the broader network, which they believe involves several interrelated criminal entities. The arrest and interrogation of additional suspects from Pune have provided further insights, allowing investigators to map out the structure of the plot and identify the key players involved.
A Complex Web of Criminal Associations
The arrest of Amit Kumar brings new insights into the murder of Baba Siddique, revealing a well-orchestrated plan involving financial support and logistical coordination. As Mumbai Police delve deeper into the roles of each accused, the connections between Kumar, Akhtar, and other conspirators highlight a network of criminal associations that spans beyond local boundaries. With Kumar’s arrest, police hope to gain vital information that could lead to Akhtar’s capture and unravel the full extent of the conspiracy behind Siddique’s assassination.