Mumbai: In a major revelation in the high-profile murder case of NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Baba Siddique, Mumbai Crime Branch sources have confirmed that Zeeshan Akhtar — currently detained in Canada — was not initially associated with the Bishnoi gang. He was allegedly recruited and brainwashed by Akash Chauhan, a key operative of the Bishnoi syndicate, at the behest of Anmol Bishnoi.

According to investigators, Zeeshan was previously affiliated with the rival Bambiha gang in Punjab and was considered a trusted hitman. Sources claim Akash Chauhan — currently lodged in Faridkot jail — played a crucial role in securing Zeeshan’s release from Jalandhar jail and persuaded him to join the Bishnoi gang with promises of lakhs in payment.

The turning point came after the Bishnoi syndicate decided to eliminate Baba Siddique. Acting on Anmol Bishnoi’s instructions from Patiala Jail, Akash Chauhan identified Zeeshan as a potential recruit. Chauhan then arranged for Zeeshan’s bail and, upon his release on June 7, Zeeshan met Chauhan directly.

It was during this meeting, sources said, that Zeeshan was convinced to take part in the murder plot. Under Chauhan’s instructions, Zeeshan recruited shooter Gurmel Singh and dispatched him to Mumbai. Zeeshan then contacted another wanted accused, Shubham Lonkar, to help orchestrate the plan.

Crime Branch officers are now preparing to designate Akash Chauhan as an accused in the case and initiate his transfer from Punjab to Mumbai for questioning. Officials confirmed that Chauhan has long-standing links with the Bishnoi syndicate and has played a role in several past contract killings.

Meanwhile, efforts to bring Zeeshan Akhtar back to India from Canada are actively underway, with Mumbai Crime Branch working closely with the CBI and international agencies. Investigators believe that Zeeshan’s interrogation could lead to more major revelations in the days to come.

New Delhi: In a major breakthrough in the Pahalgam terror attack case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two men for allegedly harbouring the terrorists who carried out the heinous attack.

The accused have been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park. Both Batkote and Hill Park are in Pahalgam.

They purportedly disclosed the identities of the three armed terrorists involved in the attack, and also confirmed that they were from Pakistan and affiliated to the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

“Parvaiz and Bashir had knowingly harboured the three armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok [hut] at Hill Park before the attack, as per NIA investigations. The two men had provided food, shelter and logistical support to the terrorists, who had, on the fateful afternoon, selectively killed the tourists on the basis of their religious identity, making it one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks ever,” the agency said.

The NIA has arrested the two accused under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Twenty-six people were killed and 16 were grievously injured in the terror attack in Pahalgam. The incident brought India and Pakistan close to war. At least 10 houses of suspects were also dismantled in the Kashmir Valley.

The Jammu & Kashmir Police had also released the sketches of three suspects. The police announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for those who provide information about their whereabouts.

According to the police, Adil Hussain Thoker, a resident of Anantnag, and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai and Hasim Musa alias Suleiman of Pakista were involved in the terrorist attack on civilians in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow.

Thoker, according to the police records, exfiltrated into Pakistan or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2018. The Thoker-led group was believed to active for the past one year in the region. Further investigations are going on.

Mumbai: The Mahim police have arrested a 37-year-old man on Thursday, for allegedly sexually abusing two minor boys, aged seven and eight, after luring them to his home under the pretext of letting them play video games.

The accused has been booked under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Police are investigating if the accused has a history of similar offenses.

The incident came to light on Wednesday evening when one of the victims informed his mother about the ordeal. The mother promptly filed a complaint with the police, leading to the swift apprehension of the accused.

According to police, the accused reportedly offered the boys money before the alleged abuse. One of the victims was admitted to Bhabha Hospital for treatment after complaining of pain to his mother. Both children are friends.

The Mahim police have registered a case under Section 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 4, 6, 8, and 10 of the POCSO Act. While initial checks have not revealed any prior criminal history for the accused, police are investigating if he has a history of similar offenses.