Mumbai: In a major development, Mumbai Police Crime Branch on Monday arrested Pravin Lonkar from Pune in connection with the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique. Pravin Lonkar is the brother of Shubhu Lonkar, who remains at large after claiming on social media that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was responsible for the murder.

Pravin Lonkar is accused of sheltering the arrested individuals involved in the case. Meanwhile, a bone ossification test was conducted on another accused in Siddique's murder, Dharmaraj Kashyap, following claims from his lawyer that he was a minor. The test confirmed that Kashyap is not a minor, according to police officials.

An ossification test is a medical procedure used to estimate age by assessing bone fusion, and its results determined that Kashyap is of legal age. Following this confirmation, Kashyap was presented in court, where his police custody was extended until October 21.

Meanwhile, Pravin Lonkar's brother Shubham Lonkar remains at large. Both brothers are accused of recruiting Dharmaraj Kashyap and Shivkumar Gautam in the plot to murder Baba Siddique. NCP leader Siddique was shot multiple times outside his office in Nirmal Nagar and later succumbed to his injuries at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital on Saturday night. 
His last rites were performed with full state honours in Mumbai at Bada Kabristan on Sunday.
Commenting on the law and order situation in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "Baba Siddique's murder is unfortunate and sad. Mumbai Police have arrested two persons--one from UP and the other from Haryana. The third accused is absconding... He will be arrested soon.
"They will not be spared, no matter who they are, be it the Bishnoi gang or any underworld gang. Strict action will be taken. Those who are receiving threats will have their safety ensured, as it is the state government's responsibility," he added.

Agencies