## Baba Siddique: A Political Life Cut Short by Assassination
The bustling city of Mumbai was stunned into silence on October 12, 2023, as news of the tragic assassination of Baba Siddique, a prominent political figure and a close confidante of the Dutt family, spread like wildfire. The incident, which occurred outside Siddique’s office in Nirmal Nagar, Bandra, has left the city reeling and ignited a fervent investigation into the motive and perpetrators behind this shocking act.
Siddique, known for his political acumen and connections, was shot multiple times by unknown assailants as he left his office. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. His last rites were performed with full state honours in Mumbai at Bada Qabrastan the following day.
Details of the incident, gleaned from accounts shared by party workers and police reports, paint a chilling picture of a planned and calculated attack. According to witnesses, Siddique was leaving his office accompanied by party workers, a police bodyguard, and his driver when the gunmen struck. He was hit by two bullets in the chest, while a bystander was injured with a shot to the leg. Siddique’s last words, “Bullets hit me, I won’t survive. I will die,” echo the horrifying reality of his fate.
The Mumbai Police, after a meticulous investigation, revealed a sinister plot that had been brewing for months. The assassination plan, hatched three months prior in Pune, involved hired shooters who were paid handsomely for the deed. Evidence points to a meticulously crafted plan, with the accused individuals conducting reconnaissance of Siddique’s house and office 25 days before the incident. They were provided with photos of their target and instructed to identify him. The motive behind this carefully executed assassination remains shrouded in mystery, adding to the intrigue and raising questions about the power dynamics at play.
From Humble Beginnings to Political Influence
Baba Siddique, born Ziauddin Siddique, emerged from humble origins. His father, a humble wristwatch repairman, had a small stall in Fort, South Mumbai. Yet, Siddique’s path was destined for the world of politics. At the tender age of 17, he joined the National Students Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress party. His political ambition led him to rise through the ranks, becoming the NSUI’s Mumbai president and later, in 1988, the president of the Mumbai Youth Congress.
Siddique’s political journey was closely intertwined with the Dutt family. He formed a strong bond with the late actor Sunil Dutt, who transitioned into politics and served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Mumbai North-West. Sunil Dutt’s popularity and Siddique’s political acumen made him a trusted member of the Dutt family’s inner circle. He was often seen with Sanjay and Priya Dutt, the latter of whom succeeded her father as MP after his death.
The assassination of Baba Siddique has left a void in Mumbai’s political landscape. He was a prominent figure, known for his charisma, his political connections, and his unwavering loyalty to the Dutt family. The investigation continues, with authorities seeking to unravel the motives and bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in the world of politics and the potential for violence to overshadow even the most established and well-connected individuals.
