Bombay High Court Rejects Bail for Accused in Baba Siddiqui Murder Case

The Bombay High Court on Thursday rejected the bail application of Chetan Paradhi, an accused in the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui, who was shot dead in Mumbai's Bandra area on October 12, 2024. Justice Ravindra Joshi, presiding over a single-judge bench, held there was prima facie material to sustain charges against Paradhi under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crimes Act (MCOCA).

Siddiqui was killed by three shooters who fired six bullets at him as he was about to enter his vehicle after meeting his son Zeeshan in Bandra East. The prosecution alleges the Lawrence Bishnoi gang orchestrated the killing, with 27 individuals named in the chargesheet. Paradhi contested his inclusion, claiming he was falsely implicated and that only the confessional statements of three co-accused — Pradip, Sambhaji, and Nitin — linked him to the crime.

The court, however, found the Call Data Records (CDRs) and a confessional statement recorded under Section 18 of MCOCA to be incriminating. Justice Joshi noted that the evidence suggested Paradhi had knowledge of the conspiracy and continued communication with the accused after learning of the plot, which undermined his claim of innocence. Under Section 21(4) of MCOCA, bail cannot be granted unless the court is satisfied the accused is not likely to commit any offence upon release.

The prosecution argued that Paradhi’s association with the accused and use of a vehicle tied to the crime — allegedly used on August 15, 2024, for his wife’s birthday — further established his involvement. The counsel for Siddiqui’s wife supported the prosecution’s stance, citing the co-accused’s statement implicating Paradhi. The court found merit in these arguments and dismissed the bail plea.

The case will proceed in the trial court, with the next hearing scheduled for May 16, 2026.