Baba Siddique, former Maharashtra minister and a leader of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, was shot dead Saturday evening near his son’s office in Bandra East. The high-profile killing has raised serious concerns over public safety just weeks before the state’s Assembly elections.
Siddique, 66, was ambushed around 9:30 pm as he entered his car after leaving his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office. Police reported that six shots were fired, three of which hit Siddique in the chest and abdomen. An aide accompanying him was also injured in the attack. Siddique was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
Two Arrested, Third Suspect on the Run
The Mumbai police have arrested two suspects from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, with a third suspect still at large. Officers recovered a 9mm pistol at the scene, and the case has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch. “The attackers had their faces covered, making identification difficult,” a police source said.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed shock at the incident, calling it “unfortunate” and promising strict action. “We will ensure that no one takes law and order into their hands,” Shinde said.
Political Outcry Over Law and Order
Opposition leaders have slammed the government, questioning how a leader with Y-level security could be killed in an upscale area like Bandra. “This is a failure of the state’s security apparatus. If such incidents occur in Mumbai, what message does it send to citizens?” said Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar called the incident “alarming” and demanded accountability. “This is a sign of collapsing law and order. Those responsible must accept responsibility and step down,” Pawar said.
A Legacy in Politics and Bollywood Circles
Siddique had a political career spanning decades, initially with the Congress party, where he served three terms as MLA from Bandra West (1999-2014) and held ministerial portfolios between 2004 and 2008. Earlier this year, he shifted his allegiance to Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction after 48 years with Congress.
Known for his flamboyant personality and connections with Bollywood, Siddique hosted star-studded iftar parties attended by celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Sanjay Dutt.
The killing also comes just six months after shots were fired outside Salman Khan’s Bandra residence, adding to public fears.
Election Impact and Investigation Underway
With the Maharashtra elections around the corner, Siddique’s murder has heightened political tensions. “This government supports criminals,” opposition leaders alleged, warning that Mumbai’s reputation as a safe city is at stake.
Police are investigating all possible motives, including disputes over local redevelopment projects. The search for the third attacker is ongoing as investigators continue to explore every lead.
This brazen attack in Mumbai’s financial hub highlights growing concerns about public safety ahead of crucial elections.
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