Crime Branch Nabs Suspect Linked to Bishnoi Gang in Baba Siddique Murder Case

Pune, 15th October 2024: Praveen, the brother of Shubham Lonkar, a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, was arrested on Sunday (13th October) in connection with the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-Ajit Pawar Group) leader Baba Siddique. The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang has been active in Pune, prompting the crime branch to begin compiling a list of its members.

Prior to Siddique’s murder, Shubham Lonkar had issued a threatening message on social media, which led Mumbai Police to launch a search for him. However, a crime branch team apprehended his brother, Praveen, in the Warje area. Following his detention, the police transported him to Mumbai for further investigation.

Initial inquiries revealed that both Praveen and his brother Shubham were implicated in Siddique’s murder. Shubham, originally from Akot village in Akola district, is suspected to be an active member of the Bishnoi Gang. In response, the Pune police crime branch has begun gathering information about other gang members, with officials confirming that efforts to compile a comprehensive list are underway.

Shubham and his family relocated to Pune in 2011. While in school, Shubham was a member of the National Cadet Corps (NCC). He initially sold vegetables in Pune before becoming influenced by social media videos associated with the Bishnoi Gang. His family later restricted his use of mobile phones, but he disappeared in July this year and is believed to have fled to Rajasthan, where he made contact with Bishnoi gang members.

In 2022, both Shubham and Praveen were arrested by the Akola police for illegal possession of firearms, with five pistols being seized. After securing bail, Praveen started Lonkar Dairy in Warje. Meanwhile, the search for Shubham continues as police intensify their efforts to locate him.