Did Zeeshan Akhtar Use Forged Passport To Escape To Canada? Mumbai Police Probing All Angles

Last Updated:June 11, 2025, 10:02 IST

The Mumbai Crime Branch is coordinating with Canadian authorities to initiate Akhtar's extradition and bring him back to India to face trial in Baba Siddique murder case.

Representative image of Mumbai Police | PTI

Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch is investigating how Zeeshan Akhtar, the alleged mastermind behind the murder of former Maharashtra minister and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Baba Siddique, managed to flee the country. Officials suspect that Akhtar may have used a forged passport to exit India, possibly taking an illegal route through Nepal before landing in Canada, where he was recently detained.

Akhtar had been on the run since Siddique’s murder and was wanted by both the Mumbai and Jalandhar Police, prompting the issuance of Red Corner Notices (RCNs) through Interpol. His arrest in Canada marks a breakthrough in the months-long manhunt. The Mumbai Crime Branch is now coordinating with Canadian authorities to initiate extradition proceedings and bring him back to India to face trial.

According to police sources, Akhtar, whose real name is Mohammad Yasin Akhtar and hails from Jalandhar in Punjab, played a central role in the conspiracy. Investigations reveal that he not only orchestrated the plot with co-accused Shubham Lonkar but also maintained direct contact with the shooters involved in the killing. He is said to have arranged logistics and provided instructions to the hitmen, including facilitating the travel of one of the key shooters, Gurmel Singh, from Haryana to Mumbai.

Akhtar’s alleged gang connections further complicate the case. He is known to be closely associated with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and is suspected to be a member of the Vikram Brar gang. His criminal record includes a previous arrest by Punjab Police in 2022, indicating a history of serious offences.

At one point during the investigation, a video surfaced in which Akhtar claimed to be hiding in Pakistan. However, police now believe that the clip may have been deliberately circulated to mislead investigators and divert attention from his actual whereabouts. This claim has prompted authorities to explore whether there were any efforts from Pakistan to shield him from Indian law enforcement.

As the Crime Branch probes how Akhtar escaped and potential cross-border links, efforts are being intensified to dismantle the broader network behind Siddique’s murder and ensure justice is served.

Yesha Kotak

Yesha Kotak, Special Correspondent, CNN-News18, specialises in crime, court and investigative reporting. She describes herself as a print reporter in TV. With six years of experience in journalism, Yesha has ea...Read More

Yesha Kotak, Special Correspondent, CNN-News18, specialises in crime, court and investigative reporting. She describes herself as a print reporter in TV. With six years of experience in journalism, Yesha has ea...

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