Mumbai: The special MCOCA court on Saturday rejected bail plea of two accused – Akhilendra Pratap Singh and Akashdeep Singh – arrested in connection with the murder case of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique. Siddique, 66, was shot dead by three assailants outside his son Zeeshan's office in Mumbai's Bandra (East) area on the night of October 12, 2024.
The prosecution claimed that the accused have close ties with the other co-accused, as established through call data records, indicating their involvement with individuals who played an active role in the planning and execution of the gruesome murder of Baba Siddique as part of the organised Bishnoi gang syndicate.
While seeking bail, Akhilendra questioned the prosecution sanction granted to invoke provisions of the MCOCA, arguing that it was accorded without proper application of mind. He also claimed that he has no prior criminal record. Akashdeep contended that there is no evidence linking him to the case.
The plea was objected by special public prosecutor Mahesh Mule and also by Pradeep Gharat and Trivankumar Karnani, the lawyer of Siddique. They had pleaded that there is material in the chargesheet which establishes the prima facie case against the accused and disentitle them bail.
The court had refused to grant the two bail after hearing the objections raised by the prosecution and the lawyers of the victim family.
