In a breakthrough in the high-profile murder case of former NCP leader Baba Siddique, Mumbai Crime Branch, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), apprehended the primary suspect, Shiv Kumar Gautam, alias Shiva, in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh. This arrest, which involved a relentless 25-day pursuit by Mumbai police, sheds light on the extensive planning and criminal network allegedly involved in the killing. The capture of Shiva, who was reportedly trying to escape to Nepal, marks a significant development in the case, with police revealing his connections to notorious gangsters and his escape tactics.
The Capture: Joint Efforts and Challenges
Shiv Kumar Gautam, the alleged main shooter in Baba Siddique’s assassination, was finally caught after intense efforts by Mumbai’s crime branch officers who worked alongside the UP STF. Gautam was reportedly among three gunmen who fired at Siddique in Bandra on October 12, 2023. Following the murder, two suspects, Gurmail Singh from Haryana and Dharmaraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh, were detained. However, Shiva managed to escape, taking advantage of large crowds attending Durga Puja, blending into the chaos and evading police.
Determined to capture Shiva, Mumbai police coordinated with Uttar Pradesh authorities. Four officers from Mumbai were stationed in Bahraich, where they navigated both communal tensions and intermittent mobile network outages to track the fugitive. Eventually, with critical support from the UP STF and local intelligence, Shiva’s location was pinpointed, and he was captured while returning to his temporary hideout in a remote forested area.
Escalating Efforts: Key Details of the Operation
The police operation was an intricate one, marked by thorough surveillance and on-the-ground intelligence gathering. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Datta Nalawade, Shiva’s accomplices, including Anurag Kashyap and Gyan Prakash Tripathi, played a crucial role in his attempted evasion. These associates aided Shiva by supplying him with essentials and planning his escape to Nepal, despite police presence in the area. The Mumbai police strategically tracked these associates, who led them to Shiva’s hideout.
Despite Shiva’s efforts to avoid detection by refraining from using mobile phones, police officers identified his communication patterns. He stayed in touch with his network through sporadic calls made from commuters’ mobile phones on public transport, avoiding digital footprints.
Connections to Notorious Gangsters and Criminal Network
Police investigations revealed that Shiva was in contact with Anmol Bishnoi, a well-known gangster and brother of jailed criminal Lawrence Bishnoi. This connection added a new dimension to the case, suggesting that Siddique’s murder was orchestrated to instill fear, potentially serving as leverage for extortion activities by the Bishnoi gang. Shiva’s acquaintance with Anmol Bishnoi is believed to have originated through common associates in Pune, where Shiva previously worked at a scrap shop.
The complexity of the case is underscored by the presence of a network of collaborators across state lines, each playing a part in concealing Shiva’s whereabouts. Following the murder, Shiva’s journey involved movement through Thane, Pune, and ultimately Bahraich, reflecting a well-coordinated escape strategy. His tactics included discarding his mobile phone to thwart tracking efforts and using others’ phones to provide location updates, evading law enforcement’s digital surveillance methods.
A Long and Dedicated Pursuit
The dedication of the four Mumbai police officers — Assistant Inspector Amol Mali, Sub Inspector Swapnil Kale, and constables Vikas Chavan and Mangesh Sawant — was instrumental in tracking down Shiva. The team’s commitment is notable, given that their pursuit took place amid challenging conditions in Bahraich, where they stayed for nearly a month, even through local festivals. The officers’ perseverance paid off when they managed to identify a close circle of associates who were supporting Shiva, allowing for his eventual capture.
The operation also demonstrated how crucial local intelligence is in tracking fugitives. The four officers compiled a list of Shiva’s likely contacts in Bahraich, narrowing it down to four key individuals. Monitoring these contacts led the team to Shiva’s hideout in a secluded area, culminating in an eight-hour stakeout that resulted in his arrest.
To conclude, the arrest of Shiva in the Baba Siddique murder case is a testament to the efficacy of inter-state police cooperation, meticulous planning, and unwavering commitment. By dismantling the network that supported Shiva’s escape, the Mumbai police and UP STF sent a strong message to criminal syndicates operating across state boundaries. This arrest not only marks progress in the Siddique case but also underscores the risks and sacrifices law enforcement officials make to maintain public safety. With 21 arrests made so far, the case highlights the Mumbai police’s resolve to bring all involved to justice, thereby offering hope for accountability and reinforcing public faith in the criminal justice system.
(With inputs from agencies)
