A wave of shock and outrage swept through Mumbai on Saturday following the fatal shooting of senior NCP leader Baba Siddique. The former minister was gunned down in a brazen attack, leaving the city reeling in disbelief.
Siddique was rushed to Lilavati Hospital after sustaining bullet injuries in the incident. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his wounds, confirming the tragic news of his passing. According to reports, three individuals opened fire on Siddique, resulting in his injuries.
In the wake of the shooting, Mumbai Police swiftly apprehended two suspects, initiating an investigation into the incident. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but authorities are working diligently to gather evidence and establish the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
Reacting to the incident, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey expressed profound concern and directed pointed criticism towards the state government. He questioned the security measures in place, emphasizing the vulnerability of even former MLAs and government leaders.
Dubey went on to state that if prominent figures like Siddique are not safe in Mumbai, then the common citizens have little hope of protection. He called for the resignation of Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, asserting that they have failed to uphold law and order in the city.
Dubey also highlighted the brazen nature of the attack, noting that the shooting occurred in broad daylight, showcasing the audacity and lack of fear among criminals. He attributed the incident to the policies of the ruling alliance, claiming they have eroded public safety and emboldened lawbreakers.
Earlier this year, Siddique, a former Congress leader, resigned from the party and joined Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. His decision came after a series of high-profile defections within the Congress party, including former Union minister Milind Deora, who joined the Shiv Sena in January. Siddique’s son, Zeeshan, who is a Congress MLA from Mumbai, was expelled from the party in August following allegations of cross-voting in the biennial elections to the Legislative Council.
The shooting of Baba Siddique has sent shockwaves through the city and beyond. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Mumbai, raising concerns about public safety, law enforcement, and the effectiveness of existing security measures. The incident is sure to generate significant public debate and scrutiny of the state government’s response to the crime.
