Mumbai - Former Maharashtra Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique was shot dead on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Mumbai's Bandra area, prompting a swift investigation by the Crime Branch. The incident has raised questions about the law and order situation in the state.
1. Shooting Incident : Siddique was allegedly shot by three men outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office in Neelamnagar, Bandra.
2. Arrests : Two of the assailants have been arrested, while the search for the third suspect continues.
3. Case Registration : A case has been registered at Nirmal Nagar Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, and Maharashtra Police Act.
4. Investigation Angles : The Crime Branch is probing potential motives including contract killing, business rivalry, and threats related to a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project.
5. Forensic Evidence : A forensic team has collected samples from the crime scene, and CCTV footage is being examined.
6. Weapon Recovery : A 9.9 MM pistol, believed to be the murder weapon, has been recovered.
Political Reactions:
- The NCP has cancelled all party programs scheduled for October 13 in light of the tragic event.
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called for a thorough and transparent investigation, describing the incident as a "serious indictment of the crumbling law and order situation in Maharashtra."
About Baba Siddique:
- Born on September 13, 1958, in Patna, Siddique was raised in Mumbai.
- He served as Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Labour, and FDA.
- Siddique won three consecutive terms as MLA from Bandra West constituency (1999, 2004, 2009).
- He recently joined the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction after leaving the Congress in 2024.
- Known for his lavish annual Iftaar parties attended by Bollywood celebrities.
Medical Details:
Dr. Niraj Uttamani of Lilavati Hospital reported that Siddique was brought to the emergency services at 9:30 PM on October 12, unresponsive and with no vital signs. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was declared dead at 11:27 PM.
Political Visits:
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, along with other political leaders, visited Lilavati Hospital to meet Siddique's family.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the motive behind this high-profile murder that has shocked the political landscape of Maharashtra.
