November 11, 2024: In a major breakthrough in the investigation of the high-profile murder of socialite Baba Siddique, police have arrested the main accused, who had attempted to flee to Nepal to evade capture.

The accused, identified as 34-year-old Rizwan Khan, was apprehended at a border check-post in Uttar Pradesh while trying to cross into Nepal. Authorities say that Khan, a key suspect in the murder, had been on the run for nearly a week after Siddique’s body was discovered in a secluded area of Mumbai on November 4.

Khan, a former associate of the victim, is believed to have played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the murder, which shocked the city’s social and political circles. According to police sources, Khan had allegedly been involved in an ongoing feud with Baba Siddique over business and personal matters, which escalated to violent retaliation.

Mumbai Police had launched an extensive manhunt after tracing Khan’s movements to several locations, including hotels and safe houses in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Investigators, using a combination of technical surveillance and intelligence reports, were able to track his route and confirm that he was attempting to flee across the border.

“We had information that the accused was trying to escape the country, and we quickly coordinated with our counterparts in Nepal and border authorities in Uttar Pradesh. Our teams worked around the clock, and thanks to their diligent efforts, we were able to apprehend him before he could cross into Nepal,” said Police Commissioner Arvind Patel during a press briefing.

Khan was taken into custody on November 10 and is expected to be brought back to Mumbai in the coming days for further questioning and to face charges related to murder, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice.

The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities stating that they are working to identify additional individuals who may have been involved in the plot. Several suspects have already been detained for questioning, though Khan remains the primary suspect in the murder.

Baba Siddique, a well-known figure in Mumbai’s social and political circles, was found murdered under mysterious circumstances. His death has left a deep impact on the community, with friends, family, and political associates expressing shock and grief.

"We are relieved that the main accused has been caught, but the investigation is far from over," added Commissioner Patel. "We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served for Baba Siddique and his family."

As the case unfolds, the arrest of Rizwan Khan marks a significant step forward in unraveling the mystery behind one of Mumbai’s most high-profile murders in recent times.