Mumbai, India — Two individuals have been detained following the fatal shooting of Baba Siddique, a prominent political figure in Mumbai, which occurred weeks before the pivotal Maharashtra state elections. Siddique, a former three-term legislator and minister, was attacked near his son’s office on Saturday evening, succumbing to multiple gunshot wounds at Lilavati Hospital later that night.
The assassination has sent shockwaves through Mumbai, especially given Siddique’s recent affiliation with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), after years with the Congress party. The NCP currently shares governance of Maharashtra in a coalition that includes the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Police inquiries suggest that the attack might be linked to the notorious criminal Lawrence Bishnoi, despite his current incarceration. Bishnoi’s gang is known for its ruthless activities in the region, including several high-profile killings. Authorities had recently escalated Siddique’s security following credible threats against his life, highlighting the potential risks faced by the politician.
In the aftermath of the shooting, officials have launched a manhunt for another suspect believed to be associated with the fatal incident. Meanwhile, the local community and political figures are reeling from the loss of Siddique, who was not only a seasoned politician but also a well-known socialite in Bollywood circles, famed for his grand gatherings attended by celebrities.
Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and a leader within the NCP, expressed profound shock and sadness over Siddique’s death. In a statement, Pawar emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and assured that stringent measures would be taken against the culprits, including tracking down the mastermind behind the attack.
Pawar also appealed for unity and restraint, urging the public and fellow politicians not to use the tragedy for political gain. He stressed that the priority should be to seek justice for Siddique and uphold democratic values.
The killing raises concerns about the safety of public figures in Mumbai, known as India’s financial hub, and casts a shadow over the upcoming elections in Maharashtra slated for November. As the community mourns Siddique’s death, the incident highlights the intricate connections between politics and organized crime in some of India’s regions, posing serious challenges to law enforcement and public safety.
This high-profile murder underscores ongoing security vulnerabilities, even for protected individuals, and has prompted calls for closer scrutiny of crime and politics. As the investigation continues, many await answers that could reveal deeper issues within Mumbai’s political landscape and criminal underworld, hoping for justice and a peaceful electoral process in the weeks to come.