Baba Siddique, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and former Maharashtra minister, was tragically killed in Mumbai on Sunday. The 66-year-old politician was shot dead by three assailants near his son’s office in Bandra.
The incident sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape, leading to the NCP canceling all its scheduled events for the day. In recognition of his contributions to the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Siddique would be cremated with full state honors. He served as a minister in the state government between 2004 and 2008 and also held the position of chairman of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA). Siddique, a three-time MLA from Bandra West, had joined Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP earlier this year after resigning from the Congress.
Mumbai police have labeled Siddique’s murder as a pre-planned act, with investigations underway to explore various motives, including contract killing, business rivalry, or threats related to a slum rehabilitation project. The crime branch is meticulously examining the case from multiple angles.
Two individuals, Gurmail Baljit Singh (23) from Haryana and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap (19) from Uttar Pradesh, have been arrested in connection with the murder. The police revealed that the accused had been in Mumbai for some time and were closely monitoring Siddique’s movements. They had even conducted reconnaissance of his residence and office premises. The search for the third suspect, who is currently at large, continues.
Adding another dimension to the investigation, Delhi police are expected to send a special investigation team to Mumbai to assist in the probe. The incident underscores the gravity of the crime and the need for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the truth behind the murder.
