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 died shortly after arrival.
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.
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 expect to apprehend him soon. He added that the case will be taken to a fast-track court.
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.
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.
Opposition leaders also blamed the Maharashtra government for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
