Mumbai, October 12, 2024 – On the evening of October 12, in Bandra, near the office of his son Zeeshan Siddique, the former minister of Maharashtra, and leader of the NCP, Baba Siddique, was shot. Hailing from the office set to celebrate Dussehra by bursting firecrackers, Baba Siddique sustained serious gunshot wounds to the stomach and chest and was immediately rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The attack occurred around 9:15 PM when three unidentified assailants approached Siddique, using the noise of firecrackers as a cover. They fired several shots that struck the NCP leader in the chest and abdomen. Eyewitnesses rushed the injured man to Lilavati, where he died shortly thereafter. The attackers escaped, but police detained two suspects while one remains on the loose.
Initial reports suggest those in custody for the shooting are from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, while searches for the third suspect continue. Police remained clueless about the motive behind the murder, while investigations into the personal or political dimensions of the case continued.
Political Reactions and Security Concerns
Baba Siddique’s death has sent further ripples down the political landscape of the Maharashtra state, especially as the Assembly elections are at the doorstep. Pushkar Bansod, the chief minister of Maharashtra, was quick to condemn the attack while assuring that those behind the act would be brought to face justice. Anil Deshmukh, former home minister of Maharashtra, expressed his concern on the worsening law and order situation in Maharashtra; however, Siddique had Y-category security when he was killed.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also expressed his condolences; canceling all his public engagements he will return to Mumbai after the tragedy. A distinguished Congress member for 48 years, Siddique switched to the NCP this year following disputes within the party. His son, Zeeshan Siddique, is currently an MLA representing Bandra East, which adds that very political element to the incident
Baba Siddique was an influential political figure, having served as an MLA from Bandra West for three consecutive terms between 1999 and 2009. He was known for his prominent role in Maharashtra politics, as well as his high-profile connections within Bollywood, notably mediating the infamous feud between actors Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan during a 2013 iftar party he hosted.
As the investigation continues, Mumbai Police are exploring all possible leads, and further updates are expected in the coming days
