Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to Akashdeep Karaj Singh, an accused in the murder case of former Maharashtra minister and senior political figure Baba Siddique, marking the first instance of any accused receiving relief in the widely followed case.
Justice Neela Gokhale allowed Singh’s bail application while making it clear that the relief was limited strictly to him and would not affect the ongoing proceedings against the remaining accused. The court imposed strict conditions, including limitations on travel and mandatory periodic reporting to the Mumbai Police. The judge also warned that any breach of these conditions would give the prosecution the right to immediately seek cancellation of bail.
Baba Siddique, aged 66, was shot dead on October 12, 2024, outside the Bandra East office of his son, former MLA Zeeshan Siddique. The incident had triggered a major political and law-and-order debate across Maharashtra, prompting an extensive investigation by city police.
Singh, who is 22 years old and hails from Fazilka district in Punjab, was taken into custody in November 2024. After his bail plea was rejected by a sessions court in July 2025, he approached the High Court seeking relief.
Mumbai Police have claimed that the murder was the outcome of a planned conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Investigators have argued that the killing was meant to establish criminal dominance and spread fear. So far, 26 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, and stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) have been applied. A chargesheet filed earlier this year lists Anmol Bishnoi as a wanted accused.
During the hearing, Singh’s legal team argued that the prosecution had failed to present any concrete evidence directly linking him to the murder. They contended that the allegations against Singh were general in nature and did not assign him a specific role in either the execution or planning of the crime. The defence also questioned the credibility of claims suggesting that Singh facilitated communication through a mobile hotspot, stating that no proof existed showing contact with the main accused or other conspirators.
Opposing the bail plea, Special Public Prosecutor Mahesh Sule, appearing for the Mumbai Police, maintained that the offence was grave and part of organised criminal activity, urging the court to deny relief. However, after considering the material on record, the High Court ruled in Singh’s favour, while keeping all other legal questions open for trial.
