NEW DELHI: The Mumbai Crime Branch on Friday revealed how Akashdeep Gill, who was arrested in connection with the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, communicated with other conspirators.
According to the Crime Branch, Gill used a labourer’s mobile hotspot to avoid detection. “Gill admitted to using the hotspot of a labourer named Balwinder, allowing him to appear offline and evade tracking,” ANI reported quoting the Crime Branch.
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“Gill admitted to using the hotspot of a labourer named Balwinder, allowing him to appear offline and avoid tracking. The Crime Branch is currently searching for Gill’s mobile phone, which may hold vital evidence related to the case,” the crime branch said.
Gill was arrrested in Punjab, where he was being questioned about his involvement in the conspiracy that led to the murder of Siddique in Mumbai’s Bandra area. Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is said to be the mastermind behind the crime. Authorities have linked Anmol to several other violent incidents, including the firing outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence earlier this year.
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Anmol Bishnoi, who had been living in Canada and frequently travelled to the United States, was arrested by US law enforcement authorities on Thursday. He is currently in detention at the Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa, according to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Anmol is wanted in India for his involvement in a series of criminal activities, including the murder of Siddique and the firing incident outside Khan’s home. Indian authorities have sought his extradition, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
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While the US State Department declined to comment on Anmol’s potential deportation, saying it was a matter for the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, the extradition process is already underway. A lookout circular had been issued against Anmol in April, following the shooting at Khan’s residence. He is also a key figure in a larger conspiracy orchestrated by the Bishnoi brothers, who are allegedly involved in terror funding, recruitment, and targeted killings across India.