Mon Oct 14 02:05:21 UTC 2024: ## Mumbai Under Siege: Two High-Profile Murders Shake City’s Law and Order
**Mumbai, October 12, 2024:** The murder of two prominent Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders within a span of a few days has put Mumbai’s law and order situation under severe scrutiny.
The first incident saw Sachin Kurmi, a close associate of NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal and Talathi President of the Byculla constituency, brutally murdered on October 5th. Three assailants on a motorbike attacked him with sharp weapons while he was returning home after attending a political event in Byculla East. Kurmi sustained over 10 injuries to his head, hands, chest, and other parts of his body. The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the case and has apprehended three suspects.
The opposition parties accused the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi government of failing to maintain law and order, demanding swift justice for Kurmi. However, the city was shaken by another murder just six days later.
Baba Siddiqui, former NCP leader and ex-Minister of Maharashtra, was shot dead by three assailants in Bandra East on the night of October 11th. He was laid to rest with full state honors at Mumbai’s Bada Kabristan on Sunday.
Police have apprehended two suspects – Gurmel Baljit Singh (23) from Kaithal, Haryana, and Dharmraj Rajesh Kashyap (19) from Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh. Both were present at the scene and apprehended shortly after the incident. Dharmraj Kashyap claimed to be a minor, but the court ordered a bone ossification test to determine his age. The report is expected in a couple of days.
The investigation revealed that the assailants initially planned to spray pepper spray on Siddiqui’s son, Jishan Siddiqui, before killing him. However, Shiva Kumar Gautam alias Shiva, a resident of Bahraich, opened fire, injuring Siddiqui fatally. Shiva is currently absconding.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has also apprehended Mohammad Jasin Akhtar from Patiala, Punjab, who had a criminal history and was released from Patiala jail on June 7th. Sources reveal he aided in the murder by providing logistical support to Dharmraj, Shiva, and Gurmel.
The investigation has also identified Shibu Lonkar and Praveen Lonkar as co-conspirators. Shibu took responsibility for the murder on Facebook. The Crime Branch has formed 10 teams to apprehend the remaining suspects and is also investigating the case in multiple states.
The high-profile murders have fueled outrage and concerns about the city’s security. Opposition parties have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Mumbai police are investigating multiple angles, including contract killing, business rivalry, and potential link to slum redevelopment projects.
The murders have brought Mumbai’s law and order situation under intense scrutiny, particularly in the wake of the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra. The state’s security apparatus faces a major challenge in restoring public confidence and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
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