The arrest of the prime shooter in the high-profile murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique reveals a complex web of connections and late-night calls. Here’s how a series of phone calls helped police track down the killers.
Mumbai Police Close In on Siddique’s Killers with Tech Surveillance and Timely Interception.
In a significant breakthrough in the murder case of NCP leader Baba Siddique, the Mumbai Police, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF), have arrested the primary shooter, Gautam Shivkumar, along with four accomplices. The swift action was largely attributed to late-night phone calls and internet communications among the suspects, leading to the apprehension of Shivkumar on Sunday in the Nanpara area of Uttar Pradesh, near the Nepal border. This arrest has marked a crucial step in dismantling the network associated with the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi gang, of which Shivkumar was a key member.
Tech-Savvy Friends Lead Police to Killer’s Hideout.
The police first took notice of suspicious behavior from four of Gautam’s close friends—Anurag Kashyap, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Akash Srivastava, and Akhilendra Pratap Singh. The group had been observed buying clothes of various sizes and attempting to evade detection through frequent internet calls, which drew the attention of authorities. Under surveillance, it became apparent that they were preparing for Gautam’s escape to Nepal and arranging for a remote rendezvous in a forest area about 10 kilometers from Nanpara.
This group’s unusual activity, including the purchase of mobile phones in Lucknow specifically for internet calls, suggested an attempt to create a safe passage for Gautam. When their late-night conversations and movements in Nanpara were closely monitored, police set up a detailed surveillance plan.
Gautam’s Journey from Crime Scene to Hideout.
Shivkumar Gautam allegedly shot Baba Siddique, 66, at close range on the night of October 12 outside the office of Siddique’s son, Zeeshan, in Mumbai. Following the murder, Gautam fled the scene, discarding his phone and bag while boarding a local train in Kurla that took him to Thane. From there, he continued to Pune and ultimately traveled to Lucknow on October 13, constantly changing locations to avoid capture.
During this journey, Gautam made calls to his handlers using phones borrowed from fellow travelers, deliberately avoiding personal devices to evade detection. Once he confirmed Siddique’s death by checking news reports, he proceeded to his hometown in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh. Eventually, Gautam took refuge in a remote village near the Nepal border, planning his final move out of the country.
The Role of Phone Calls and Surveillance in the Arrest.
Unbeknownst to Gautam and his associates, their persistent contact via internet calls had placed them squarely on police radar. Authorities monitored these communications and were able to piece together a timeline of events leading up to the arrest. Surveillance teams noticed that the friends not only contacted Gautam frequently but also prepared extensively for his flight—purchasing multiple sets of clothes for him and making travel arrangements.
On the night of the planned escape, Gautam’s friends set off on motorcycles toward the rendezvous point, only to be intercepted by a police team stationed strategically on a bridge just outside Nanpara. Once in custody, the group revealed Gautam’s precise location in the remote village, where he was ultimately captured.
Bishnoi Gang Connections and Motive for the Murder.
During police questioning, Gautam confessed to his involvement in the Siddique killing and his ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. He disclosed that the order to kill Baba Siddique came directly from Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, who sought retribution against the politician for reasons currently under investigation. Gautam’s confession has unveiled layers of organized crime influence in the case, pointing to a well-coordinated attack orchestrated by one of India’s most infamous criminal syndicates.
Other Suspects in Custody.
Apart from Gautam, two other alleged shooters, Gurnail Singh from Haryana and Dhramraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh, were arrested shortly after the attack, adding to the growing list of suspects with ties to the Bishnoi network. Their confessions align with Gautam’s, as they reportedly spent days in Mumbai observing Siddique’s movements and coordinating the attack.
In a final push to secure a safe hiding place, Gautam met with other Bishnoi associates in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, before heading north. Throughout this time, Mumbai Police kept close tabs on his whereabouts, following a trail of associates and contacts. Ultimately, their monitoring of nearly 45 individuals—family members, friends, and fellow gang members—helped pinpoint Gautam’s final hideout.
On-the-Scene Surveillance and Strategic Capture.
By the time Gautam’s friends were ready to meet him in Nanpara, police had already set a comprehensive trap. The four associates, unaware of the impending capture, traveled on motorcycles to the prearranged meeting spot. Police quickly detained the group, whose capture directly led to Gautam’s location.
Mumbai Police and the Uttar Pradesh STF have confirmed that Gautam and his accomplices will remain in custody until November 19, as authorities delve deeper into the case. The investigation has now turned to the gang’s financial transactions and how firearms were procured for the murder, shedding light on the extensive coordination involved.
Implications for Organized Crime Crackdown.
The high-profile arrest has underscored the effectiveness of cross-state police cooperation in tackling organized crime and high-stakes cases. The timely interception of Gautam’s escape attempt, thanks to vigilant surveillance, has garnered significant attention and raised hopes for further action against organized crime syndicates.
As police continue their probe into Siddique’s murder, this arrest signals a warning to gang-affiliated networks operating across state borders. The Siddique family, who continue to await justice, has called for a thorough investigation into both the Bishnoi network’s motives and the accountability of individuals who orchestrated and facilitated the crime.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the reach and influence of organized crime networks in India and marks a potential turning point in law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to dismantle these syndicates.