Mumbai: In a significant breakthrough in the Baba Siddique murder case, Mumbai Crime Branch has uncovered the location where absconded fugitive mastermind Shubham Lonkar allegedly practiced firing with an advanced AK-57 rifle. According to investigators, Lonkar conducted shooting drills in a remote mining and hilly area near Champatoli village, located in Jharkhand's Gumla district.
According to Police, While Lonkar practiced firing the weapon, his accomplices Rupesh Mohol and Gaurav Apune reportedly only learned how to handle the gun. The information surfaced during their interrogation, revealing that the AK-57 rifle was sourced from Naxalites.
This development has prompted the Crime Branch to investigate a possible connection between the Bishnoi gang and Naxal groups, and they are coordinating with Jharkhand Police for further investigation.
Suspected Hideout and Naxal Links : Authorities suspect that Lonkar may be hiding in the Naxal-dominated regions near Champatoli village. The village, surrounded by dense forests and hills, is infamous for its Naxal activities and serves as a strategic hideout. Crime Branch believes that Lonkar chose this location to ensure that the sound of gunfire would go unnoticed.
On July 28, Shubham Lonkar, Gaurav Apune, and Rupesh Mohol boarded the Hatia Express from Pune to Ranchi. After reaching Ranchi, they traveled approximately 85 km to Gumla district and then another 43 km deep into Champatoli village. Over a span of three days, Lonkar practiced firing multiple rounds using the AK-57 rifle, provided by Naxal operatives. The team stayed in the vicinity of Champatoli during their five-day trip to Jharkhand. The accused returned to Pune in the first week of August, again via Hatia Express.
Plot to Assassinate Another Leader : Crime Branch sources revealed that this firearms training may have been a Plan B to assassinate a prominent Pune leader. The investigative team is now delving deeper into this aspect to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.
Mumbai Crime Branch officials are also collaborating with Jharkhand Police to trace Lonkar and uncover any additional Naxal links. They are preparing to visit the area for further investigations into the suspected Naxal hideout and arms supply chain. This case highlights the growing nexus between organized criminal gangs and Naxal groups, raising serious concerns about the availability of advanced weaponry to these elements.
