The Highlights:
The Mumbai Police has invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act against 26 people arrested for their suspected role in the murder of Nationalist Congress Party NCP leader Baba Siddique. The development is rather significant on the legal aspect, with the authorities affirming its commitment to addressing organisational elements involved in this high-profile assassination.
Assassination of Baba Siddique
Baba Siddique, a significant leader of the NCP and former minister of the state of Maharashtra, died when three unidentified assailants started shooting at him outside MLA Zeeshan Siddique’s office in the city of Mumbai’s Nirmal Nagar area on 12th October 2024. Several shots were fired due to which Baba Siddique left his body en route Lilavati Hospital. The gang responsible for the murder Lawrence Bishnoi have accused Baba Siddique being close to underworld don and other Bollywood personalities.
Investigation and Arrests
The Mumbai Crime Branch began thorough investigations after the assassination which resulted in arresting 26 people. Included in that list is the reported chief of the shooters, Shivkumar Gautam, dubbed Shiva. It apparently involved key individuals within Lawrence Bishnoi for it was planned there in the city of Pune. The guns used apparently had rehearsed to hit the marks several times before making the assault.
Introduction of MCOCA:
On November 30, 2024, Mumbai police invoked MCOCA against all the 26 arrested individuals. This statute was enacted in 1999 to target organized crime groups and provides harsh punishment for specific crimes, wherein the punishment be death sentence or life term for offences committed which include death. Thus, the implementation of MCOCA is clearly an expression of the ‘organized crime’ and has a criminal syndicate involved
Legal procedure and the appellant’s argument
In the court proceedings, the leading shooter, Shivkumar Gautam, raised his concerns about the possibility of being forced to give a confession under MCOCA. He told the court of his fears of being pressured to confess, with further police custody extended so that the inquiry would go through without any bias.
Public Declaration and Justification by the Gang
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang members have publicized the murder, saying Baba Siddique was a criminal and a partner of underworld elements. “Baba Siddique wasn’t a good man; he had an MCOCA case against him. MCOCA isn’t applied to ordinary people,” said one member. These claims indicate the rationale provided by the gang in supporting their criminal activities.
Social Impact and Response
The assassination has shocked the entire political and social circles in Mumbai. Baba Siddique was known for his close associations with Bollywood celebrities, such as Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan. After his death, several Bollywood personalities visited the hospital and his residence to pay their condolences. Salman Khan, in particular, has been supportive of Siddique’s family, maintaining regular contact with his son, Zeeshan Siddique, during this challenging period.
Continuing Investigation and Future Implications
The Mumbai police continue their probe, still at large three suspects, prime conspirators among them, including Anmol Bishnoi and Shubham Rameshwar Lonkar. The invocation of MCOCA is expected to have a more vigorous legal procedure, allowing the authorities to uproot the organized crime group responsible for the assassination. This case, therefore points out the ongoing challenges of organized crimes in India and the need to have strong legal frameworks to answer such threats.
Conclusion
Invocation of MCOCA in the Baba Siddique murder case represents an important step towards delivering justice. It reflects the intent of authorities to confront organized crime straight and serves as a harsh warning to criminal syndicates within the country. The more these legal proceedings progress, accountability for those involved, coupled with reinforcement of rule of law, remains at the fore.
For Latest News Updates Click Here