In a shocking incident that has gripped Maharashtra, former state minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, Baba Siddique, was shot dead in Mumbai on the night of October 12, 2024. The cold-blooded murder took place outside the office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, a sitting MLA from Bandra, as the city was celebrating the Dussehra festival. The audacity of the killing, carried out in a busy part of the city, has ignited widespread outrage and political turmoil, raising serious questions about law and order in Maharashtra just weeks before state elections.
The Crime and Immediate Aftermath
Baba Siddique, 66, was ambushed by three assailants outside his son’s office in Bandra East. According to initial reports, the attackers fired at least six shots, three of which hit Siddique, fatally wounding him in the stomach and chest. He was immediately rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where doctors fought to save him. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, Siddique succumbed to his injuries around 11:30 PM, leaving the city and political circles in shock. His body was later taken to his residence at Magba Heights and was set to receive full state honors during his funeral.
The Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Mumbai Police swiftly launched an investigation, arresting two suspects—Gurmail Singh (23) from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap (19) from Uttar Pradesh. Both had reportedly been living in Mumbai for several months, conducting reconnaissance of Siddique’s home and office before carrying out the murder. Police suspect the involvement of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has claimed responsibility for the assassination. The arrested men revealed during questioning that they had received instructions and arms from gang leaders just days before the killing.
The murder is being investigated from multiple angles, including political rivalry, contract killing, and connections to land disputes involving the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), a key issue in Mumbai’s political landscape. The third suspect in the case remains at large, with a massive manhunt underway.
The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang’s Role
The involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a criminal syndicate known for high-profile killings and extortion across India, has added a chilling dimension to the case. The gang, which has claimed responsibility for Siddique’s murder, is notorious for targeting influential figures to exert control in major cities. Police sources believe the assassination was meant to establish dominance in Mumbai’s political and real estate spheres, where Siddique had a prominent presence.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s network, which stretches across several states, is allegedly involved in a series of contract killings, many of them linked to disputes over land and money laundering. The gang’s rise to infamy has raised alarm bells in law enforcement, and this murder has sparked calls for stronger action against organized crime in the city.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The assassination of Baba Siddique has caused a political storm, with leaders across party lines condemning the murder and raising concerns about Maharashtra’s security situation. Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader, expressed deep sorrow, calling the murder a personal and political tragedy. He vowed that justice would be served and urged the public to remain united during this time of grief.
Opposition leaders, including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray, slammed the state government for failing to protect Siddique, who had reportedly voiced concerns about threats to his life in recent weeks. Kharge labeled the incident as a “major lapse” on the part of the Maharashtra administration, while Thackeray criticized the government’s inability to maintain law and order in Mumbai, warning that the city had become increasingly unsafe under the current regime.
Who Was Baba Siddique?
Baba Siddique was a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, known for his close ties with Bollywood celebrities, including actor Salman Khan, and his influence in Mumbai’s Bandra West constituency. He had served as an MLA from the area multiple times and was a former minister in the state government, handling key portfolios such as Food and Civil Supplies.
Siddique began his political career with the Congress party but later shifted to the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP. He remained active in the civic and political affairs of Mumbai, particularly in matters related to housing and slum redevelopment, a contentious issue in the city. His death marks the end of an era in local politics, with many mourning the loss of a leader who had a significant impact on the community.
Motive and Theories Behind the Murder
Several theories are being explored regarding the motive behind Siddique’s assassination. The most prominent involves his role in the SRA projects, where massive profits and political influence are at stake. Some speculate that his involvement in these projects may have made him a target for organized crime syndicates like the Bishnoi gang, who seek control over Mumbai’s lucrative real estate deals.
Other angles being probed include political rivalries, particularly given the timing of the murder, just ahead of state elections. Siddique had been a prominent figure within the NCP, and his assassination could have far-reaching implications for the party and its electoral prospects in the upcoming polls.
A City in Shock
The murder of Baba Siddique has left Mumbai in shock, with many questioning how such a brazen crime could be carried out in one of the country’s most heavily policed cities. The killing has reignited debates about the effectiveness of law enforcement in curbing the rise of organized crime, especially in light of recent high-profile murders linked to gang warfare.
As the investigation continues, the city watches closely, hoping for swift justice in a case that has sent ripples through both political and criminal circles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Baba Siddique?
A: Baba Siddique was a prominent politician in Maharashtra, affiliated with the NCP. He was a former state minister and had represented the Bandra West constituency multiple times.
Q: How did Baba Siddique die?
A: He was shot by three assailants outside his son’s office in Bandra East, Mumbai, on October 12, 2024. He was rushed to the Lilavati hospital but he could not survive the night and gave in to his injuries.
Q: Who is behind Baba Siddique’s murder?
A: Two suspects have been arrested, and police are investigating links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has claimed responsibility for the assassination.
Q: What was the motive behind the killing?
A: The motive is still under investigation, but possible reasons include political rivalry, disputes over slum redevelopment projects, and the involvement of organized crime.
Q: Has anyone been arrested?
A: Yes, two suspects, Gurmail Singh and Dharamraj Kashyap, have been arrested. There’s still a third suspect out there.
Q: What has been the political reaction to the murder?
A: Leaders from various political parties have condemned the murder, criticizing the Maharashtra government for failing to prevent the attack despite Siddique expressing concerns about threats to his life.
Reference : http://www.bbc.com
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