Baba Siddique, a prominent Indian politician, was shot dead in Mumbai near his son’s office by unidentified gunmen. Siddique, aged 66, had been an influential figure in Maharashtra state politics, where he previously held a ministerial position. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing, while police are still searching for a third.
The motive behind the assassination remains unclear, though there are speculations that the attackers may have connections to Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious criminal serving time for involvement in various murder cases.
Siddique had made headlines earlier this year when he switched his political allegiance from the Congress Party, India’s main opposition party, to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a regional party allied with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
His death comes just before Maharashtra’s legislative elections, adding a significant political dimension to the tragedy. Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, expressed shock and condemnation of the attack, calling it a “cowardly act.”
Prominent Politician Baba Siddique Shot Dead in Mumbai, Suspected Criminal Ties Spark Investigation
Siddique was known for hosting extravagant parties and had close relationships with Bollywood stars, which made him a familiar figure not just in politics but in entertainment circles. His killing occurred despite heightened security in Mumbai, as the city was preparing for a major Hindu festival.
This has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who blamed the state government for failing to prevent such a high-profile attack despite clear threats to Siddique’s safety.
The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of Siddique’s upgraded security detail, as it was revealed that he had been receiving death threats in the weeks leading up to the shooting.
While an investigation is underway, the involvement of a notorious gang led by Lawrence Bishnoi, as claimed by some media outlets, points to a deeper criminal conspiracy. The state government has promised a thorough probe into the murder and assured that the culprits will be brought to justice.
