NCP leader Baba Siddique murder mastermind detained by Canadian authorities

Zeeshan Akhtar, a key operative of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang is accused of coordinating the shooters involved in Siddique’s assassination and orchestrating the crime.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former minister Baba Siddique  (L), Zeeshan Akhtar, a key operative of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang (R)
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former minister Baba Siddique (L), Zeeshan Akhtar, a key operative of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang (R)Photo | PTI
Updated on
2 min read

MUMBAI: In a major breakthrough in the high‑profile murder case of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former minister Baba Siddique, Zeeshan Akhtar alias Jassi Purewal, alleged mastermind behind the killing, has been detained by Surrey Police in Canada, according to Mumbai Police sources.

Mumbai Police confirmed that Zeeshan Akhtar, a key operative of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, is in custody with Surrey Police. He is accused of coordinating the shooters involved in Siddique’s assassination and orchestrating the crime. Investigations indicate that Akhtar escaped India with assistance from Pakistani underworld figure Shehzad Bhatti of the Farooq Khokhar gang.

A Mumbai Police source said, “Three days ago, we received information about Zeeshan Akhtar’s detention. We waited for official confirmation, which we have now received.”

Formalities are underway, and authorities expect to extradite him to Mumbai, where he will stand trial.

Baba Siddique was fatally shot on the night of October 12, 2024, outside the office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, in Bandra, Mumbai. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility, alleging that Siddique was targeted due to his close ties with Bollywood actor Salman Khan.

Subsequent investigations revealed that Zeeshan Akhtar, a native of Jalandhar, Punjab was present at the crime scene and played a central role in planning the murder. He fled India shortly afterward.

Lawrence Bishnoi's gang later disowned Akhtar and reportedly issued threats against him. In early 2025, Akhtar released a video acknowledging he was wanted in connection with Siddique’s murder and other criminal cases. In that video, he publicly thanked Bhatti, referring to him as a “big brother”.

Born Mohammad Yasin Akhtar, he hails from Jalandhar and has a history of criminal cases, including a 2022 arrest by Punjab Police on unrelated charges. His name emerged prominently in the investigation launched after Siddique’s murder.

Police allege that Akhtar managed the three shooters, Dharmaraj Kashyap, Gurmel Baljeet Singh, and Shivkumar Gautam and arranged weapons, logistics, and accommodation. The charge sheet indicates he instrumental in targeting Siddique.

Akhtar is reportedly a close associate of imprisoned gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. He is said to have formed this connection while in prison, sharing space with shooter Gurmel Singh. The murder plot was reportedly hatched in May 2024, with Akhtar leaving Mumbai a month prior to the attack to avoid suspicion.

After his release from prison, Akhtar traveled to Kaithal, Haryana, to coordinate with Gurmel Singh, Kashyap, and Gautam. He facilitated their journey to Mumbai and helped them establish a base before the assassination.

Indian authorities are now working closely with Canadian counterparts to expedite extradition proceedings. Given the high‑profile nature of the case and its potential national security implications, legal efforts to bring Akhtar back to India are a top priority.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former minister Baba Siddique  (L), Zeeshan Akhtar, a key operative of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang (R)
Two Baba Siddique murder case accused move plea to retract 'involuntary' confession statements

Related Stories

No stories found.

X
Open in App
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com