Pune Leader Targeted by Bishnoi Gang Uncovered in Baba Siddiqui Murder Probe; Bishnoi Gang’s "Plan B" Foiled by Crime Branch

A startling new revelation has emerged in the murder investigation of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui, with sources within the Mumbai Crime Branch disclosing that the Bishnoi gang had also plotted the assassination of a prominent political leader from Pune. The plan, which was allegedly part of the gang's "Plan B," was uncovered after Siddiqui's killing.

“Plan B” Exposed After Investigation into Siddiqui's Murder

The Crime Branch’s investigation into Siddiqui’s killing has unearthed a larger conspiracy, with key players in Pune allegedly involved in the plot. Sources suggest that the gang’s plan was to assassinate a high-profile political figure, though the name of the targeted individual has not been disclosed by authorities due to the sensitive nature of the case.

The breakthrough came when authorities recovered a pistol in Pune that was intended to be used in the planned assassination. This discovery prompted further scrutiny, and as the investigation unfolded, the Crime Branch uncovered a well-organized scheme involving several local operatives.

Shubham Lonkar: Mastermind Behind the Plot

Sources have revealed that Shubham Lonkar, the alleged mastermind behind Baba Siddiqui’s murder, was also responsible for orchestrating the assassination plot in Pune. Lonkar, who is said to have close ties with the notorious Bishnoi gang, tasked a local gang from Pune's Karvenagar area with executing the operation.

The shooters involved in the plan were identified as Rupesh Mohol, Karan Salve, Shivam Kohad, Gaurav Apune, Aditya Gulankar, and Rafiq Sheikh. According to reports, the group was recruited by Lonkar and was undergoing training to carry out the assassination. In a series of interrogations, Mohol and other gang members reportedly admitted to their roles in the Bishnoi gang's plot, revealing that they had been practicing firing in preparation for the attack in Pune.

Smuggling of Firearms to Facilitate Execution

In addition, the Crime Branch investigation revealed that, prior to the murder of Baba Siddiqui, six firearms were smuggled into Mumbai for use in the planned killings. Three of these firearms were sourced from Rajasthan, while Lonkar personally arranged the remaining three. The weapons were distributed among the shooters, with three specifically designated for Siddiqui's murder in Mumbai.

The remaining two firearms were allegedly transported to Pune by Harish Nishad, an associate of Lonkar’s. Nishad handed over the weapons to Praveen Lonkar, who then provided them to the Karvenagar gang, along with 40 rounds of live ammunition. It is believed that the shooters conducted several practice sessions under Shubham Lonkar’s supervision, including a training drill during a trip to Jharkhand.

Crime Branch Foils Assassination Attempt, Key Evidence Seized

The assassination plot targeting the Pune leader was foiled when the Crime Branch traced the weapons through images found on Praveen Lonkar's mobile phone. This led to a raid at the residence of one of the accused, Shivam Kohad, where the authorities recovered the pistol that was intended for the planned attack.

However, crucial evidence, including the missing 40 rounds of live ammunition, remains unaccounted for, and the authorities are intensifying their search to locate the remaining weapons and ammunition. The discovery of these firearms, along with the interrogation of the accused, has raised questions about the deeper links between the Bishnoi gang and local criminal elements in Pune.

Heightened Security Measures in Pune

Following the exposure of this plot, the Crime Branch has shared vital intelligence with local authorities in Pune. As a result, the Pune Police have significantly increased security measures around political leaders and high-profile targets in the region. Local law enforcement is also investigating whether the accused had conducted a reconnaissance mission to gather information about the intended victim in preparation for the assassination.​