CrimeNews – Mumbai Police Dismisses Officer Linked to Baba Siddique Security
CrimeNews – Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique’s murder case has taken another significant turn, with Mumbai Police dismissing a constable who was assigned to his security detail after an internal inquiry found him guilty of negligence during duty.
The action was taken against Constable Shyam Sonawane, who had been attached to the Protection and Security Branch of Mumbai Police and was responsible for the security arrangements of Baba Siddique at the time of the fatal shooting in October 2024.
Departmental Inquiry Leads to Dismissal
Police officials confirmed that Sonawane was suspended shortly after the incident and later faced a departmental investigation. The inquiry reportedly concluded that there had been serious lapses in the discharge of his responsibilities on the night Siddique was killed.
Following the findings, authorities issued a show-cause notice asking the constable to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him. After reviewing the matter, the department proceeded with his removal from service.
According to officials, Sonawane formally acknowledged the dismissal order on May 2, making the termination effective immediately.
Baba Siddique Was Shot Outside Bandra Office
Baba Siddique, a prominent political figure and former Nationalist Congress Party leader, was shot dead on the night of October 12, 2024. The attack took place outside the Bandra office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, who serves as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.
Investigators said three attackers were involved in the shooting. The incident sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political circles and triggered a large-scale investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
At the time of the attack, Sonawane had been deployed as part of Siddique’s security arrangement. Officials stated that the security lapse became a major focus during the subsequent internal review conducted by Mumbai Police.
Investigation Expanded Beyond Maharashtra
The murder investigation later expanded internationally as agencies pursued suspects believed to be connected to organised criminal networks. In November 2025, authorities brought Anmol Bishnoi to New Delhi after he was deported from the United States.
Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was identified as an accused in the case and became the 19th individual arrested during the probe conducted by the National Investigation Agency.
The NIA had earlier filed a charge sheet in 2023 outlining alleged criminal links involving Lawrence Bishnoi, Anmol Bishnoi, and gangster Goldy Brar. The agency claimed the network had connections to several high-profile criminal activities across India between 2020 and 2023.
Arrests Continue in Siddique Murder Probe
Investigators have continued pursuing individuals believed to be involved in planning and executing the murder. In June 2025, authorities in Canada arrested Zeeshan Akhtar, who is suspected of being one of the main conspirators in the killing.
Officials have maintained that the investigation remains active and that coordination with international agencies has played an important role in tracking suspects located outside India.
The murder case has remained under close public and political scrutiny because of Siddique’s long-standing presence in Maharashtra politics and the alleged involvement of organised crime figures. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly stated that they are working to establish the complete conspiracy behind the attack and identify everyone linked to the operation.
Mumbai Police officials have not disclosed further details regarding additional disciplinary action within the department, but the dismissal of the constable is being viewed as a significant administrative step connected to the security failure identified after the shooting.