Gunmen shot and killed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique on Saturday evening in Mumbai. The 66-year-old politician, known for his political influence and ties with prominent figures, died after three assailants attacked him in Kher Nagar near his son’s office in Bandra.
NCP Leader Baba Siddiqui shot dead!
pic.twitter.com/YWA8wPgvF9— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) October 12, 2024
Incident Details
Three gunmen fired six bullets at Siddique, four of which struck him in the chest. Despite rushing him to Lilavati Hospital, doctors declared him dead upon arrival. The murder has shocked political circles and the public.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
The police swiftly arrested two suspects, Gurmail Baljit Singh from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh, while a third suspect remains at large. During interrogation, the arrested men claimed ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. However, neither the police nor the gang have confirmed this link. Bishnoi, currently imprisoned in Gujarat, faces accusations in several high-profile murder and extortion cases.
Crime Branch Probes Multiple Angles
Investigators are pursuing two key leads:
- Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Involvement: Due to Siddique’s close ties with Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who has faced threats from the Bishnoi gang in the past, police are considering a potential connection between the gang and the killing.
- Slum Rehabilitation Dispute: Another possible motive involves a slum rehabilitation case that Siddique had been involved in. He received death threats related to this case 15 days before the attack. Authorities had placed him under ‘Y’ category security, raising questions about whether a security lapse contributed to his death.
Siddique’s Final Post
Just two days before his murder, Baba Siddique made his last Instagram post. He shared a heartfelt tribute to industrialist Ratan Tata, who passed away on October 9 at age 86. Siddique described Tata’s death as the “End of an Era,” showcasing his admiration for the industrialist.
Political Reactions and Security Concerns
Siddique’s assassination has outraged political leaders, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemning it as a “complete collapse of law and order.” Authorities also upgraded security outside Salman Khan’s home due to his known ties with Siddique and previous threats from the Bishnoi gang.
Police Form Special Teams
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has assigned four special teams to investigate the case. These teams are reviewing CCTV footage, questioning suspects, and pursuing any leads that may explain the motive. However, they have yet to uncover a clear reason behind the killing.
As investigations move forward, Siddique’s murder highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of prominent individuals in Mumbai. Whether gang-related, rooted in business disputes, or stemming from personal rivalries, authorities are working relentlessly to bring those responsible to justice.