NCP leader Baba Siddique shot dead; possible Lawrence Bishnoi gang connection surfaces
Baba Siddique, an NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister, was shot close to his workplace. In the hospital, his injuries claimed his life.
PTC News Desk: In a shocking incident on Saturday evening, Baba Siddique, a senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead by three assailants in Mumbai. The 66-year-old politician, who was closely associated with Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, was fatally wounded after being shot in the stomach and chest outside the office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, a Maharashtra MLA, in Bandra East. The attack took place around 9:30 pm during Dussehra celebrations.
According to reports, Siddique was setting off firecrackers in celebration when three men arrived in a vehicle, their faces obscured by handkerchiefs. Armed with a 9.9 mm pistol, they fired three rounds at Siddique, with one of the bullets hitting him in the chest and causing him to collapse. His security detail immediately rushed him to Lilavati Hospital, but despite all efforts to save him, Siddique succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced dead at 11:27 PM, with doctors citing massive blood loss as the cause of death. His body was later transferred to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Mumbai Police arrested two suspects shortly after the attack—Karnail Singh and Dharamraj Kashyap—both of whom claimed to be members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang during initial interrogations. Police sources revealed that the suspects had been surveilling Siddique's movements for nearly a month prior to the assassination. A third suspect, who managed to flee the scene, is currently being pursued by authorities.
At the crime scene, investigators found three bullet casings and confirmed that multiple shots had been fired, with one bullet shattering the windshield of Siddique's vehicle. One of the arrested suspects, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, was apprehended at the scene, while the second, from Haryana, was arrested shortly after.
Political reactions and condolences
The assassination has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political landscape. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde vowed swift and strict action against those responsible for the murder. “Two suspects are already in custody, and efforts are underway to capture the third. We will ensure that no one feels above the law,” Shinde said in a statement, adding that he has instructed Mumbai Police to expedite the investigation.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who leads the NCP faction to which Siddique belonged, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling Siddique a "good colleague and friend." Pawar, who canceled all his Sunday engagements, vowed a thorough investigation into the killing. "This is a loss not just for the party but for the people of Maharashtra. Baba Siddique was a fighter for minority rights and a champion of harmony among all communities," he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid his respects by visiting Lilavati Hospital after Siddique’s death. He joined other political leaders in expressing condolences and assuring the public that the criminals involved would face the full weight of the law.
Opposition criticises government over law and order
The opposition wasted no time in criticizing the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government, highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Congress leader KC Venugopal termed Siddique’s killing a "massive loss" to Maharashtra and slammed the government for failing to protect him despite his 'Y' category security cover.
"This brazen killing of a former minister in a bustling market area shows that criminals in Maharashtra no longer fear the law. Siddique had raised concerns about threats to his life several times, and still, the system failed to protect him," Venugopal said. He further stated that the incident was an indictment of the state's ability to maintain law and order.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed similar concerns, questioning how the state government planned to protect the general public if it couldn’t safeguard a prominent politician. "If someone with 'Y' category security can be murdered in broad daylight, what does that say about the safety of ordinary citizens?" she asked.
Who was Baba Siddique?
Baba Siddique, born on September 13, 1958, in Patna, Bihar, moved to Mumbai at a young age and entered politics as a member of the Congress party in 1977. Known for his deep connections with local communities, Siddique quickly rose through the ranks, becoming General Secretary of the Bandra Youth Congress in 1980 and its president by 1982. He became the president of the Mumbai Youth Congress in 1988 and was elected Municipal Councillor in 1992.
In 1999, Siddique made his mark in state politics by winning his first election as an MLA from Bandra West, a constituency he represented for three consecutive terms. His popularity stemmed from his grassroots approach, particularly his work with minority communities and efforts to promote religious harmony. Siddique remained a prominent figure in Mumbai politics until 2014, when he lost the seat.
Siddique’s assassination has left a significant void in Maharashtra’s political landscape, and his legacy as a leader who fought for marginalised communities and unity across religions will be remembered by many.
The investigation into his murder continues, with police working to identify the mastermind behind the plot and the third suspect still at large.