The murder of prominent NCP leader Baba Siddiqui has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra, with the Mumbai Police confirming the arrest of two suspects who allegedly surveilled his residence and office. The 66-year-old politician was shot dead by three assailants on Saturday night in Mumbai, marking the first high-profile political murder in the city in three decades.
Baba Siddiqui’s body, a well-known Muslim leader and former MLA from Bandra (West), was transferred from Lilavati Hospital to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem on Sunday morning. The arrested suspects have been identified as Karnail Singh from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh. Reports from the Mumbai Police indicate that the suspects had been in the city for approximately one and a half to two months, closely monitoring Siddiqui’s movements.
The investigation is ongoing, with multiple teams from the Mumbai Crime Branch actively searching for a third suspect. Both arrested individuals have been extensively questioned by senior officers, and the police revealed that they had been paid in advance for the crime, receiving arms just days before the assassination.
This shocking incident has raised alarms about law and order in Maharashtra, especially as the state approaches assembly elections next month. The assassination has ignited discussions about the security measures in place for prominent political figures.
Baba Siddiqui, a significant figure in the Muslim community, was known for his connections with Bollywood stars and had represented the Bandra (West) constituency in the assembly three times. His recent transition from the Congress party to Ajit Pawar’s NCP in February adds further complexity to the case.
In a condolence message on X, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar expressed his shock and sorrow, labeling the attack as extremely unfortunate. He remembered Siddiqui as a good friend and colleague, acknowledging his contributions to the minority community and advocacy for secularism. Pawar assured a thorough investigation into the attack.
Siddiqui’s murder serves as a chilling reminder of the violence that can affect political discourse in Maharashtra. The state is now facing the ramifications of losing a prominent leader as authorities continue their pursuit of justice for Baba Siddiqui and his family.
