Mastermind Zeeshan Akhtar Apprehended in Canada in Connection with Baba Siddique Murder; Extradition Underway

Zeeshan Akhtar, the alleged mastermind behind the murder of NCP MLA Baba Siddique, has been arrested in Canada, marking a critical development in the case. Local authorities have taken Zeeshan Akhtar, also known as Jassi or Yasin Akhtar, into custody. The incident took place on October 12, 2024, when Baba Siddique was tragically shot outside his son’s office in Bandra. Efforts are now underway to extradite Akhtar to India for investigation and prosecution. Sources suggest possible involvement of Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother-in-law. The killing is believed to have been orchestrated by Lawrence Bishnoi, with the motive allegedly stemming from Baba Siddique’s close association with Bollywood actor Salman Khan. Initial investigations linked the crime to the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, leading to the arrest of 26 individuals, including the primary shooters Shiv Kumar Gautam and Anmol Bishnoi. Prior to the Siddique murder, Lawrence Bishnoi had planned a shooting at the residence of Singer AP Dhillon in Canada. Following the murder, Zeeshan Siddique, Baba Siddique’s son, also received threats. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the extradition process progresses. Further details are expected soon. The Mumbai Crime Branch previously identified Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar as a key figure, alleging that he coordinated the shooting from outside, providing critical information on Siddique’s location and arranging logistical support, including rental accommodations for the shooters. Akhtar, a resident of Shakar village in Nakodar, Jalandhar, was previously arrested in 2022 for organized crime, murder, and robbery, and was released from prison on June 7, 2024. He reportedly received instructions from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, while incarcerated in Patiala Jail, to assassinate Siddique.