NCP Leader Baba Siddique Shot Dead in Mumbai
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples across Maharashtra’s political landscape, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique was shot dead on the night of October 12, 2024, outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office near the Colgate ground in Nirmal Nagar, Mumbai. The former state minister was attacked by three unidentified assailants, who fired two to three rounds at him. Siddique was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The incident has raised serious concerns about the state of law and order in Maharashtra.
Here’s everything we know about the murder, the investigation, and reactions from political leaders and the public.
The Attack: What Happened?
Baba Siddique, a prominent political figure and former minister, was targeted by three attackers near the office of his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique. The assailants fired multiple shots at him before fleeing the scene. According to the police, the attack occurred around 8:00 PM, with witnesses reporting gunshots that caused panic in the area. The attackers, who have been described as unidentified at the time of the incident, managed to escape, leaving Siddique critically injured.
Siddique was immediately taken to Lilavati Hospital, where doctors tried to save his life. However, he could not recover from the severe injuries, and he was declared dead shortly after.
Police Investigation: Two Suspects Arrested
In the aftermath of the shooting, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder. The arrested individuals were identified as Gurmail Baljit Singh, aged 23, from Haryana, and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap, aged 19, from Uttar Pradesh. A search for the third suspect is still ongoing, and the investigation is being conducted from all possible angles.
Possible Motives and Ongoing Investigations
The investigation has revealed that Siddique had received a threat to his life 15 days prior to the attack, prompting authorities to upgrade his security to Y-category protection. Despite this precaution, the attackers were able to carry out the assault successfully. The Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch is spearheading the investigation, and they have registered a case at the Nirmal Nagar Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, and the Maharashtra Police Act.
The police are also investigating the possible involvement of gangsters, including Lawrence Bishnoi, who was previously accused of attempting to murder Bollywood actor Salman Khan. Meanwhile, forensic teams are actively working on the crime scene to gather evidence, and a 9.9 mm pistol used in the shooting has been recovered.
A statement from Siddique’s family confirmed that his burial will take place today, October 13, at 8:30 PM at Bada Kabarastan, opposite Marine Lines Station in Mumbai. The Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayer) will be held at 7:00 PM after Maghrib Namaz at Maqba Heights, Pali Road, Bandra (West). The NCP leader is survived by his wife Shehzeen Siddique, his son Zeeshan Siddique, and his daughter Dr. Arshia Siddique.
Who Was Baba Siddique?
Baba Siddique had a long-standing career in politics, with significant influence in Maharashtra. A three-time MLA from the Bandra West constituency, Siddique served as a minister during the Congress-NCP government in the early 2000s. His roles included Minister of State for Food & Civil Supplies, Labour, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Consumer Protection.
Earlier this year, he resigned from the Congress party to join the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is currently led by Ajit Pawar. Despite his recent political moves, Siddique had deep roots in the Congress, where he served for several decades. His loss in the 2014 assembly elections to BJP candidate Ashish Shelar was a significant turning point in his political career.
The news of Baba Siddique’s death has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders across party lines. Many expressed grief and outrage, pointing to a decline in law and order in Maharashtra. Here are some notable reactions:
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde: CM Eknath Shinde expressed his condolences to Siddique’s family and called the incident “extremely unfortunate.” He assured the public that strict action would be taken against the perpetrators and that the Mumbai Police would work diligently to apprehend the third suspect. This incident highlights the crucial importance of maintaining law and order, and we are dedicated to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice to the fullest extent, he declared.
Rahul Gandhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his shock and grief over the killing. He stated, “The sudden demise of Baba Siddique ji is both shocking and deeply saddening.” My thoughts are with his family during this challenging time. This dreadful event reveals a total breakdown of law and order in Maharashtra. It is imperative that the government takes responsibility and ensures that justice is served.”
Actor Riteish Deshmukh: Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh also expressed his sorrow on X, writing, “Extremely saddened and shocked beyond words to learn about the tragic demise of Shri Baba Siddique ji. My heart goes out to Zeeshan and the entire family—may God give them the strength to brave this difficult time. It is imperative that the individuals responsible for this heinous crime are held accountable and brought to justice.
Several Opposition leaders, including members of the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), have criticized the government for the alleged breakdown of law and order in Maharashtra. They have called for a comprehensive investigation into the factors that led to Siddique’s murder and urged the state government to enhance security for politicians facing credible threats.
As part of the ongoing investigation, senior officers from the Mumbai Police Crime Branch have questioned the arrested suspects for eight hours. The suspects revealed that they were paid in advance to carry out the murder and had received the firearm a few days before the attack. Investigators are also looking into possible connections with organized crime networks and identifying any individuals who may have commissioned the hit.
The police have intensified efforts to locate the third suspect, and all leads are being pursued to uncover the full motive behind the attack. Additionally, forensic experts are examining evidence collected from the crime scene, which may provide further insights into the planning and execution of the murder.
The murder of Baba Siddique has left a deep impact on Maharashtra’s political scene, raising questions about the state’s security situation. While two suspects are in custody, the hunt for the third assailant continues, and the investigation is ongoing. As Maharashtra mourns the loss of a prominent political figure, there is growing pressure on the government to ensure justice is swiftly delivered and to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
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