The man who had sent threatening messages to MLA Baba Siddiqui was arrested lateu00a0Tuesday night by the Bandra police.

Aashiq Ali Shaikh, the 25-year-old who had sent offensive messages to the MLA, was arrested from Navpada in Bandra (East).

During investigations, it has come to light that Aashiq sent the messages to Siddiqui on December 29 and on January 7 to exact revenge against a colleague who worked at the same marble workshop as him.


Aashiq told the police that he had sent the messages to Siddiqui to get back at a colleague

Aashiq told the police that his colleague used to complain about his behaviour to their boss, which annoyed him.

In order to settle scores, Aashiq stole the colleague's licence and bought a new SIM card, along with his friend Imran Shaikh (22).

Aashiq thought he would use the number, now registered in his colleague's name, and send the MLA threatening SMSes, which would put his colleague in the spot.

He asked Imran to type out the messages and then send them to Baba Siddiqui. Investigating officers are now trying to determine if Aashiq has any links with gangs.

"As soon as the MLA complained to the police, Crime Branch officials also initiated operations to apprehend the culprit," said an officer.

The police added that they were able to nab Aashiq with the help of the mobile phone company. Sub Inspector Nandkumar Gaikwad said, "Shaikh has been arrested under Section 384 and 387 of the Indian Penal Code."

Aashiq has been sent to 18 days' remand, while his friend Imran is still on the run.