NCP Leader and Former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique Shot Dead
Baba Siddique was shot dead on Saturday night, despite having Y-level security. The case has now been handed over to the Mumbai
by Nagpur Trends Team | Published on 2024-10-13 13:31:22
Mumbai, India: In a shocking turn of events, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot dead on Saturday night, despite having Y-level security. Mumbai Police have confirmed the involvement of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in the assassination. Siddique, a three-time MLA, was gunned down by three assailants in Bandra East, ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections in November.
According to police reports, two of the attackers have been detained — one from Haryana and the other from Uttar Pradesh — while the third remains on the run. The case has now been handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further investigation.
The incident occurred as Siddique was leaving his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique's office in Bandra East and entering his car. Witnesses say the assailants fired six to seven rounds, with two bullets hitting Siddique in the chest and one in the abdomen. Despite immediate medical attention, Siddique succumbed to his injuries at Lilavati Hospital.
The killing has sparked a political uproar across Maharashtra. Opposition leaders, including Congress, have condemned the growing criminal activity in the state and have demanded accountability from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's government. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and other leaders have called for the resignation of Maharashtra Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, citing security lapses.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Siddique would receive a state funeral in recognition of his service as a minister in the Maharashtra Cabinet from 2004 to 2008.
While two of the suspects have been detained, the Mumbai Police continue their search for the third individual involved in the assassination. Authorities are working to uncover more details about the extent of Lawrence Bishnoi's role in orchestrating the killing from behind bars.
Baba Siddique, a former Congress MLA, represented the Bandra West constituency for three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2014 before joining the NCP. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Maharashtra, coming at a crucial time ahead of the state elections.