Mumbai Shooting: Shivkumar Gautam Admits Guilt

MUMBAI: Shivkumar Gautam, also known as Shiva, the prime suspect in the recent fatal shooting of former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique, admitted to police that he returned to the hospital immediately after the attack to verify whether Siddique had survived. According to authorities, Shiva (23) fled the crime scene in an autorickshaw and reached Lilavati Hospital, where he stood in the crowd outside to assess the situation and listen to public reactions on Siddique’s condition. Tragically, Siddique was declared dead on arrival.

Following the attack, Shiva discarded the weapon and his bag under a parked car, changing into a fresh shirt before returning to observe the aftermath. The police noted that his actions were carefully premeditated, involving two accomplices who helped orchestrate the assassination. Initial findings reveal that Shiva and his associates had planned to regroup at the Ujjain railway station in case they got separated.

After confirming Siddique’s passing, Shiva fled to Pune, then traveled to Lucknow. He was apprehended near the Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh on November 10. During police interrogation, Shiva disclosed the meticulous planning behind the attack, including his escape route and the network of accomplices who provided him logistical support. Two of the gunmen, Dharmaraj Kashyap (21) and Gurmail Singh (23), were arrested shortly after the shooting, while Shiva evaded capture for several days.

During a subsequent search operation, police recovered the bag Shiva had discarded, containing a Turkish Tisas pistol and over two dozen bullets. Additionally, they found the shirt Shiva had worn during the attack. The gun, which was reportedly used in the attack, has been sent for forensic analysis.

Authorities revealed that Shiva, a school dropout, was allegedly promised Rs 10 lakh, a foreign trip, and monthly financial support for completing the assassination. Police have so far arrested 23 individuals in connection with Siddique’s murder. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the criminal network involved, with reports indicating that several conspirators were trained in firearms handling, including the use of AK-47 rifles, during secret sessions in remote areas.

The shocking revelations have intensified calls for stronger security measures for public figures and stricter action against organized crime. Maharashtra police are pursuing all leads to bring additional suspects to justice and uncover the larger nexus behind this tragic incident.