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In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that the conspiracy to assassinate NCP leader Baba Siddiqui was orchestrated within the walls of Patiala Jail. A notorious criminal, Zeeshan Akhtar from Jalandhar, was tasked with executing the plan by Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang members. Reports indicate that the contract to kill Siddiqui was given to Zeeshan while he was in jail. He communicated the plan to another gang member stationed abroad, detailing the assassination strategy.
Punjab Police received an intelligence input about the plot, prompting them to launch an investigation. According to sources at the Punjab Police Headquarters, DGP Gaurav Yadav has directed the Jail Management and the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) to thoroughly investigate the matter. Arun Pal Singh, ADGP Jail, has reportedly held discussions with the Patiala Jail authorities, and interrogation of inmates, including Lawrence’s associates, has begun.
Zeeshan as the Key Handler
Police sources revealed that Zeeshan was designated as the main handler by Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang. He was reportedly provided with funds in Jalandhar to carry out the killing. Upon his release from jail, Zeeshan allegedly headed straight to Mumbai to execute the plan. Notably, Zeeshan hails from the village of Shakkar in Nakodar, Jalandhar.
Link to Anuj Thapan’s Death
The planned assassination of Baba Siddiqui is believed to be connected to the death of Anuj Thapan. Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang posted on social media, claiming that Siddiqui’s murder was revenge for Thapan’s death. It is worth noting that Anuj Thapan, along with Sonu Kumar, was arrested by the police from Fazilka in connection with the firing at actor Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartment in Mumbai. The duo was responsible for providing firearms to the shooters involved in the April 14 incident. Anuj Thapan later committed suicide while in police custody, according to Mumbai Police.
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s Growing Influence
The revelation of this plot has once again drawn attention to the growing influence of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, particularly in Haryana. The shooter involved in the assassination plot of Maharashtra’s former minister Siddiqui was identified as Gurmail, a resident of Nard village in Kaithal, Haryana. This is not the first time Haryana’s youths have been implicated in a high-profile murder. Many have been lured into crime under Bishnoi’s gang.
For instance:
• On May 29, 2022, the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala was carried out by Deepak Mundi from Charkhi-Dadri, Kuldeep from Jhajjar, and Ankit Sirsa and Priyavrat Fauji from Sonepat, all of whom were from Haryana.
• On December 5, 2023, in the murder of Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, the President of Rajput Karni Sena, Haryana-based shooters from the Godara gang, led by gangster Rohit Godara, were named in the NIA’s investigation.
• On April 14, 2024, two shooters on a motorbike fired five rounds outside Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartment. In this case, Mumbai Police arrested a man named Harry, alias Harpal, from the village of Bhirdana in Fatehabad, Haryana.Bishnoi Gang’s Growing Clout in Jail
Investigations have revealed that many of these shooters came into contact with Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang members while they were incarcerated in jails across Haryana and Punjab. After being influenced by Bishnoi’s men, they joined the gang. Gurmail, who had been in jail for four years on murder charges, reportedly came into contact with Bishnoi’s gang during his time behind bars. The NIA has also pointed out that Bishnoi’s gang recruits young inmates by luring them with promises of a glamorous lifestyle and easy money.
Lonkars’ Role in Siddiqui Assassination Plot
Further investigations have unearthed that two brothers, Shubu Lonkar and Praveen Lonkar, were also involved in the assassination plot. Praveen, who was arrested from Pune, is believed to have provided shelter to the two accused, Dharamraj Kashyap and Shivkumar Gautam, also known as Shiva. The two men were offered a job at a scrapyard, allegedly to help them remain under the radar while planning the assassination. Praveen’s arrest has reportedly led to several crucial leads in the case, according to police sources.
Maharashtra CM Promises Swift Justice
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the assassination of Baba Siddiqui and vowed that the perpetrators would not be spared. Speaking to the media on Monday, Shinde assured that the state would ensure that those responsible for this crime face the death penalty. “We will not tolerate anyone taking the law into their hands, and we are committed to upholding the safety of our citizens,” Shinde stated, emphasizing that justice will be served.
The investigation continues, with Punjab Police and other law enforcement agencies working closely to ensure that all involved in the plot are apprehended and held accountable. The case has once again highlighted the growing nexus between gangsters and contract killers across states, with prison networks playing a central role in orchestrating crimes.
