Five people, including main hitman Shiv Kumar Gautam, were arrested in connection with Baba Siddique’s murder on Monday. However, the details revealed by the attackers indicate that both Baba Siddique and his son Zeeshan Siddique are potential targets.

According to News18, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang had instructed Gautam to kill one of the two politicians, the first person he encountered. He also told the Mumbai Police during interrogation that the instructions were given by Anmol Bishnoi, brother of the jailed gangster.

Senior NCP leader Baba Siddique was shot dead by three gunmen near MLA son Zeeshan’s office in Mumbai on October 12. Police have arrested 23 people in the case so far.

Meanwhile, a recent update from the Mumbai Crime Branch has suggested that another Pune leader is also on the radar of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The incident came to light when a gun designed to be used in the next murder was seized by the police. Inputs and information have been shared with authorities in Pune and the investigation is ongoing.

“Lawrence Bishnoi gang was also planning to kill the Pune leader and the responsibility of committing the crime was given to the hitmen involved in Plan B,” the official told ANI.

Several people arrested in connection with Baba Siddique’s murder were also involved in a backup plan prepared by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The attacker, Gaurav Vilas Apune, who was arrested on Friday last week, was sent to Jharkhand with weapons towards the end of July to conduct shooting exercises. He was involved in Plan B as a hitman.

Investigation by Mumbai Crime Branch revealed that she was accompanied by Rupesh Mohol, who was earlier arrested by Mumbai Police. The arrangements were made by the murder mastermind Shubham Lonkar. Both had practiced shooting for a day in Jharkhand before returning to Pune and contacting Lonkar again.

(With input from institutions)