Twist in Baba Siddique Murder: Suspect Claims He's a Minor, Court Demands Aadhaar for Proof
MUMBAI — A new development has emerged in the murder case of Baba Siddique, a prominent NCP leader and former minister. Two suspects were arrested shortly after the assassination, but during a court appearance, one suspect claimed to be a minor. The court has now requested his Aadhaar card to verify his age.
Baba Siddique was fatally shot on Saturday night by three assailants who fired at him from close range. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. His murder has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political scene, with widespread calls for swift justice.
Suspect Claims to Be Underage
One of the arrested suspects, Dharmraj Kashyap, made a startling claim in court, stating that he is only 17 years old and should be treated as a juvenile. During the court hearing, when asked about his age, Kashyap maintained that he was a minor. However, police records show that one of the arrested suspects is 19 years old.
In light of the conflicting information, the court has asked for the suspect’s Aadhaar card to verify his actual age. The suspect’s lawyer argued that his client is indeed 17 years old, prompting the court to demand documentation to clear up any confusion.
Quick Arrests Following the Murder
Mumbai police wasted no time in investigating the high-profile murder. Within hours, they were able to gather crucial leads and identify three suspects. The arrested individuals have been identified as Karnail Singh, Dharmraj Kashyap, and another accomplice, Shivananand. Police believe the trio is connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Hunt for Third Suspect Continues
While two of the suspects are in custody, the third suspect, Shivananand, is still on the run. Authorities suspect he has fled the state. His last known location was in Panvel, where he was captured on CCTV. Police teams have been dispatched to multiple states, including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, to track him down.
Shivananand, originally from Nard village in Kaithal district, Haryana, had previously been involved in a murder case in 2019 and spent time in a local jail before being released on bail. He later moved to Mumbai, where he is believed to have been involved in Siddique’s assassination.
Political Fallout
The murder of Baba Siddique has shaken Maharashtra’s political landscape, with leaders demanding a thorough investigation and quick justice for the slain politician. Siddique was a well-known figure in the state’s political circles, and his death has left a void in the community.
