Mumbai Court: No Bail for Siddique Murder Accused, Cites "More Than Mere Suspicion"

In a move that sends a clear message about the seriousness of the ongoing investigation, a Mumbai court has firmly shut the door on bail for two men accused in the high-profile murder of former Congress MLA Baba Siddique. The metropolitan magistrate court in Esplanade didn't mince words, declaring that there was "more than mere suspicion" connecting Sheikh Abdul Kadir, 27, and Wasim alias Bittu Khan, 26, to the shocking crime.

This isn't just a standard denial; it's a judicial statement. The court carefully reviewed the evidence, painting a picture of deliberate involvement. It seems both Kadir and Khan weren't just vaguely connected; they were allegedly right there at the Bandstand promenade in Bandra when Siddique was tragically shot during his morning walk on March 29. What’s more, they were reportedly seen alongside others who vanished into thin air immediately after the gunshots rang out.

The details laid out by the court are quite damning. Khan, known as Bittu, is specifically accused of disposing of the murder weapon – the pistol and its magazine – by throwing them into the sea. Meanwhile, Kadir allegedly played a crucial role in supplying the very firearm used in the assassination. Both individuals, the court noted with concern, offered accounts that simply didn't add up during their interrogations, a classic red flag in such complex cases.

But it gets even more complicated. Khan apparently confessed to not just this incident, but also to a previous attempt on Siddique's life back in 2023. This admission, coupled with his alleged presence during the fatal shooting, undoubtedly strengthened the prosecution's argument against his release. The court wasn't just looking at isolated acts; it perceived a "deep-rooted conspiracy" and underscored the "serious offence" that had been committed against a prominent public figure.

The investigation, as anyone following this case knows, is far from over. Crucial pieces of the puzzle, such as the actual murder weapon and the spent cartridges, are still missing. The court sagely concluded that releasing these two accused at such a critical juncture would undoubtedly impede the ongoing probe. It’s a logical step, ensuring law enforcement has every chance to gather all necessary evidence.

To recap, Baba Siddique, a well-known political figure, was tragically killed while on his morning stroll. The initial suspicion points towards a property dispute, potentially linked to the notorious Ravi Pujari gang. So far, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including the alleged main shooter, Mohammed Aslam Sheikh. The police have also invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), indicating the perceived organized nature of this heinous crime. This denial of bail marks another significant chapter in what promises to be a long and intricate pursuit of justice.