The escape of Zeeshan Akhtar, the key accused in the murder of former Maharashtra minister and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Baba Siddique, has raised serious questions about passport fraud, cross-border crime networks, and lapses in immigration. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch, now leading the investigation, suspects that Zeeshan Akhtar used a forged passport and took an illegal route via Nepal to flee to Canada, where he was recently arrested. Authorities are also probing whether Zeeshan Akhtar received any international support, including possible help from Pakistan, to evade Indian law enforcement.
Investigators Track Forgery and Cross-Border Escape Route
Zeeshan Akhtar, who also goes by the name Mohammad Yasin Akhtar, had been absconding since the murder of Siddique and was wanted by both Mumbai and Jalandhar Police. Interpol had issued Red Corner Notices against him, which ultimately led to his detention in Canada. Indian officials are now working with Canadian authorities to begin the extradition process.
Initial investigations suggest that Zeeshan Akhtar may have travelled through Nepal using a fake passport before entering Canada. Police sources believe that a video he released earlier, claiming to be in Pakistan, was likely part of a deliberate ploy to mislead investigators and delay the manhunt. The Crime Branch is now examining the possibility of any Pakistani involvement in shielding him from Indian authorities.
Mastermind’s Links to Bishnoi-Brar Gang Surface
Further deepening the investigation, police have unearthed Zeeshan Akhtar’s connections to notorious criminal gangs. He is suspected to be a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and a member of the Vikram Brar gang. Zeeshan Akhtar has a prior criminal history, including a 2022 arrest by Punjab Police. Officials say he played a central role in Siddique’s murder by coordinating with co-accused Shubham Lonkar and arranging logistics for the shooters.
One of the shooters, Gurmel Singh, was reportedly moved from Haryana to Mumbai under Zeeshan Akhtar’s direction. His direct communication with the hitmen and logistical support points to his central role in the conspiracy. The Crime Branch is also investigating a broader network possibly involved in financing, logistics, and planning of the killing.
As the probe deepens, law enforcement is under pressure to identify all players in the murder plot and uncover how Zeeshan Akhtar evaded authorities for months while maintaining contact with underworld figures.
