Baba Siddique, Former Maharashtra Minister And Leader Of Ajit Pawar's NCP, Shot Dead In Mumbai

Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister and senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar, was killed after being shot by three unidentified individuals in Bandra East, Mumbai, on Saturday evening. He was immediately taken to Lilavati Hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

The Mumbai Police, in a statement, confirmed that the firing took place outside the office of his MLA son, Zeeshan Siddique, near Colgate Ground in Nirmal Nagar. Two to three rounds were fired. The leader had received a death threat just 15 days ago and was under ‘Y’ category security.

Meanwhile, the police have formed five teams to investigate this case. Sources within the Mumbai police stated that they will also examine the Boshnoi angle as part of the inquiry.

A 9.9 mm pistol was used in the shooting, suggesting a contract killing, according to a source.

Will Take Case To Fast-track Court: Eknath Shinde

Speaking on the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that unknown individuals attacked Baba Siddique. Two people have been arrested in connection with the case—one from Haryana and one from Uttar Pradesh.

Shinde further informed the third suspect is still at large, but police is expected to apprehend him soon. He added that the case will be taken to a fast-track court.

Who Was Baba Siddique?

Baba Siddique has served as an MLA for three consecutive terms in 1999, 2004 and 2009, and had also served as a Minister of State for Food & Civil Supplies, Labour and FDA.

In February this year, he resigned from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress (INC) party and joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar.

Siddique, also known as Bandra Boy, was also a close friend of Bollywood actors Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan.

Politicians React On Siddique’s Murder

Several politicians from the Mahayuti government, of which Siddique was a part, as well as leaders from opposition parties, expressed their shock and condolences over the incident.

Reacting to Siddique’s murder, NCP leader and Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said, “The incident of firing on NCP leader, former Minister of State, my colleague Baba Siddiqui who has been in the Legislature for a long time is very unfortunate, condemnable and painful. I was shocked to know that he died in this incident. I have lost my good colleague, friend. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack. I pay my heartfelt tribute to Baba Siddiqui.”

“The incident will be thoroughly investigated and strict action will be taken against the attackers. The mastermind behind the attack will also be traced. With the demise of Baba Siddiqui, we have lost a good leader who fought for the minority brothers and strived for pan-religious harmony. His death is a great loss for NCP. I share in the grief of Zeeshan Siddiqui, Siddiqui family and their workers,” he added.

The opposition leaders blamed the Maharashtra government for the deteriorating state law and order.

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya expressed concern over Siddique’s murder, stating, “The government should make a special team and investigate this. It seems to be a huge conspiracy. Strict action should be taken.”

Describing Siddique’s death as “disturbing,” NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto blamed the Mahayuti government, stating that the law and order situation in Maharashtra has failed.

“The BJP led Mahayuti needs to answer to the people of Maharashtra why they have failed to bring law & order under control. People are taking the law into their own hands and feel free to do what they want because there is no fear of the law. The Home Department led by Devendra Fadnavis seems to have failed,” Crasto said.

Congress Mumbai Unit President Varsha Eknath Gaikwad wrote in her post: “Shocked and numbed to hear about the firing at Shri Baba Siddiqui ji. What is going on in the city? How can this happen? At a loss of words.”

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Preeti Sharma Menon in her post wrote: “Shocking! My condolences to @zeeshan_iyc and his family. May Baba Siddiqui’s soul rest in peace. But if an ex minister can be killed Bandra what hope do citizens have. Under @Dev_Fadnavis and his special commissioner Mumbai has become totally lawless.”