The court orders police custody of Dharam Raj Kashyap and Parveen Lonkar till October 21
Team Clarion
MUMBAI — In the ongoing investigation into the murder of senior NCP leader and former MLA Baba Siddique, one of the accused, Dharam Raj Kashyap, claimed to be a minor to avoid harsher legal consequences. However, following a medical examination, it was proved otherwise and he was subsequently presented before the court by the crime branch. The court extended his police custody until October 21.
Another key suspect, Parveen Lonkar, was also presented in court on Monday. The court, led by Judge VR Patil, ordered Lonkar to remain in police custody until the same date. Lonkar is the third person to be arrested in connection with the murder. The primary suspects, including Shiv Kumar, Mohammad Zeeshan, and Shubham Lonkar, remain at large.
The prosecution argued that Parveen Lonkar played a critical role in the conspiracy, aiding the shooter and assisting in securing weapons and a rented house in Kurla. The prosecution linked his involvement to the fugitive accused, Shubham Lonkar, and even brought up connections with the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
During the hearing, Parveen’s defence lawyer, Prashant Bedkar, contested the accusations, claiming his client was being framed and that there was no need for extended police custody. Despite these arguments, the court sided with the prosecution and ordered Lonkar’s continued detention.
The police continue to probe the case, suspecting that Parveen and his brother Shubham Lonkar were central to the plot, not only in providing logistical support but also in training the shooter. The investigation is ongoing, and efforts to capture the remaining absconding suspects are intensifying.