Baba Siddique’s Bodyguard Sacked as Probe Expands Into Gang, Builder and Financial Links

Mumbai Police have dismissed constable Shyam Sonawane, the bodyguard assigned to former NCP leader Baba Siddique, after an internal inquiry found him guilty of dereliction of duty and major security lapses linked to Siddique’s assassination.

Siddique, 66, was shot dead by three assailants outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Mumbai’s Bandra East on October 12, 2024, in one of Maharashtra’s most high-profile political killings in recent years. The murder triggered widespread concern over VIP security arrangements and the growing influence of organised crime networks in Mumbai.

Sonawane, attached to Mumbai Police’s Protection and Security branch , had been deployed for Siddique’s security cover. Officials said the departmental inquiry concluded that the constable displayed negligence , irresponsible behaviour , and failed to respond appropriately during the attack. He was first placed under suspension before being served a show-cause notice seeking an explanation over why he should not be removed from service. Authorities confirmed that Sonawane accepted the punishment order on May 2, after which his services were formally terminated.

The murder investigation has since widened beyond the shooters. Police earlier linked the killing to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his syndicate, which allegedly targeted Siddique because of his close ties with actor Salman Khan and ongoing extortion rivalries. Investigators believe the attack was intended to strengthen the gang’s influence in Mumbai’s underworld network.

Fresh reports have also brought focus on possible financial and organised crime connections. Gujarat CID recently uncovered a ₹53-crore interstate cyber fraud racket and found that one of the accused had allegedly arranged a bank account used by suspects linked to the Siddique murder case. Investigators believe the financial trail could help identify handlers, facilitators and funding channels connected to the conspiracy.

Meanwhile, Siddique’s son Zeeshan has repeatedly alleged that investigators did not adequately examine possible links involving sections of Mumbai’s builder lobby, claims that have intensified political pressure surrounding the case.