Baba Siddique Shot Dead in Mumbai: Former Maharashtra Minister’s Death Raises Law and Order Concerns
Baba Siddique, former Maharashtra minister and member of the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, was tragically shot dead in Bandra, Mumbai. The shocking incident, which occurred on Saturday night, has left the political community and the public in deep mourning.
Details of the Incident
Around 9:30 PM on Saturday, gunmen opened fire near the office of Siddique’s son, Zeeshan Siddique, who is the MLA from Bandra East. Witnesses reported that six bullets were fired, with four hitting Baba Siddique. One of his aides was also wounded in the attack. Baba Siddique, aged 66, was immediately rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Sources confirmed that two suspects have been arrested, one from Uttar Pradesh and the other from Haryana, while a third suspect remains at large.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections Loom
The incident occurred during the celebration of Dussehra, and comes just months before the highly anticipated Maharashtra Assembly elections. The tragic event has raised concerns about security and law enforcement, especially given Siddique’s Y-level security, typically assigned to high-risk individuals.
Political Leaders React
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his shock and grief over the incident. He confirmed speaking to both the police and medical professionals, calling the shooting “extremely unfortunate” and vowing that strict action would be taken to prevent further violence.
“I have asked the police to take stringent measures to ensure that Mumbai does not fall into a gang-war-like situation,” said Shinde.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home department, visited the hospital soon after the shooting. Ajit Pawar, Siddique’s colleague in the NCP, expressed his sorrow on X (formerly Twitter), calling Siddique a “good colleague and friend.”
Baba Siddique’s Political Career
Baba Siddique had a long and distinguished political career. He was a three-time MLA from Bandra West, winning elections in 1999, 2004, and 2009. He also served as a Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Labour, and FDA between 2004 and 2008.
Earlier this year, he made headlines for quitting the Congress after a 48-year association and joining Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction in February. His son, Zeeshan, was expelled from the Congress in August.
Siddique was not just known for his political contributions but also for hosting grand events, including the famous 2013 Iftar party, where the longstanding rift between Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan was resolved. Both Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt arrived at the hospital after the incident to pay their respects.
Opposition Questions Law and Order in Mumbai
The shocking nature of Siddique’s death, especially in an upscale area like Bandra, has triggered concerns about Mumbai’s law and order situation. Sharad Pawar, leader of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction), criticized the government for its failure to ensure safety in the state. In a statement, Pawar urged government officials to “take responsibility and step down” from their posts, calling the killing of a former state minister in Mumbai a “warning sign” for citizens.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, echoed similar sentiments. In a post on X, he expressed deep concern over how such an incident could occur in a city like Mumbai, which was once known for its peace. Wadettiwar pointed out the lack of fear of law enforcement, stating, “Maharashtra is becoming like Uttar Pradesh,” and accused the state government of supporting criminal elements.
Investigations Underway
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has assured that the investigation into Siddique’s murder will be conducted thoroughly, and that strict action will be taken against those involved. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert as they continue to search for the third suspect.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape and raised serious questions about the state’s security infrastructure just ahead of crucial elections.
Source : NDTV
