Former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique was brutally shot dead in a targeted attack on Saturday night in Mumbai’s Bandra East. The chilling incident occurred outside the office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, and was orchestrated by three assailants who fired a total of six rounds at the politician. Two bullets struck Baba Siddique in the chest, leading to his tragic demise despite all efforts to save him.
The attack took place at around 9:30 PM when the assailants, with their faces covered, approached the former minister after exiting a vehicle. Siddique, a well-known figure in Maharashtra politics and a recent defector to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP from the Congress, was rushed to Lilavati Hospital. Despite being given immediate medical attention, Siddique was pronounced dead at 11:27 PM.
This tragic event sent shockwaves across the political landscape of Maharashtra, especially considering the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections later this year. Siddique, 66, had recently transitioned from his long-standing association with Congress, joining the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar. His political switch was seen as a significant move, but within a few months, the leader’s life ended in a brutal attack that left the entire state in disbelief.
Meticulous Planning and Recce of Siddique’s Family
According to police sources, the incident was a premeditated act, and a 9.9 mm pistol was used, suggesting it was a contract killing. The attackers, believed to be linked to the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi gang, had conducted detailed reconnaissance of Baba Siddique and his family members, including his son Zeeshan Siddique. Investigations revealed that the shooters were meticulously informed by a fourth accomplice, who relayed real-time updates about the politician’s movements to ensure a successful hit.
This indicates the lengths to which the attackers went in planning the murder. A source involved in the investigation shared that the shooters had also kept an eye on Zeeshan Siddique, underscoring the fact that this was an attack not only on Baba Siddique but was a larger intimidation attempt on the entire family.
‘Y’ Category Security Could Not Save Baba Siddique
The slain politician was under ‘Y’ category security due to recent threats to his life. Reports have emerged that Baba Siddique had received a death threat just 15 days before the incident, hinting at the looming danger he faced. Despite these threats and being guarded by security personnel, the assailants managed to ambush Siddique on a festive day like Dussehra, highlighting a severe lapse in his security arrangements.
Dr. Nitin Gokhale, a cardiologist at Lilavati Hospital, provided the medical details of Siddique’s condition upon arrival. “Baba Siddique Saheb was brought to Lilavati Hospital at 9:30 pm with no pulse rate and blood pressure,” said Dr. Gokhale. “He had two gunshot wounds on his chest. We started emergency and resuscitative measures and shifted him to the ICU. However, at 11:27 pm, he was declared dead.”
Police Action: Arrests and Investigation
Mumbai Police swiftly swung into action and apprehended two individuals suspected of involvement in the murder. The suspects were identified as Gurmail Baljit Singh, 23, from Haryana, and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap, 19, from Uttar Pradesh. These arrests came soon after the attack, and five teams have been formed by the police to thoroughly investigate the case, with special focus on the Bishnoi gang connection.
The third accused, however, managed to flee the scene and remains absconding. The police have registered a case under Crime Registration No. 589/2024 at Nirmal Nagar Police Station, invoking multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, and the Maharashtra Police Act. Authorities are hopeful of tracking down the remaining suspect in the coming days and are actively pursuing leads to solve the case.
Maharashtra Government’s Stand on the Attack
The firing incident has added a layer of political tension in Maharashtra, particularly with assembly elections expected to be held later this year. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, addressing the media, expressed his shock at the incident and asserted that the government would take swift and strict action to bring the perpetrators to justice. He promised that the state would ensure the case is brought to a fast-track court to expedite the trial process.
“This is an extremely unfortunate incident,” said Chief Minister Shinde. “Two people have been arrested, and we are in the process of locating the third accused, who is absconding. I have given clear instructions to the Mumbai Police to take stringent action against those responsible for disrupting law and order. I am confident that the police will soon arrest the third accused, and we will ensure that the case reaches a fast-track court to deliver justice quickly.”
Baba Siddique’s Legacy and Public Image
Baba Siddique was not only known for his political acumen but also for his flair for building bridges between Bollywood personalities and politicians. He garnered significant public attention for hosting his famous iftaar parties, where he managed to get prominent Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan to end their cold war back in 2013. The events were attended by several top names from the film industry, earning Siddique a reputation for fostering camaraderie across sectors.
Born and raised in a politically active family, Siddique served as an MLA multiple times and carved a niche for himself in Mumbai’s political circles. Over his career spanning four decades, he became known as a dependable leader within the Congress party before eventually switching allegiance to the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP earlier this year. His move to the NCP had surprised many, and there were speculations that it was aimed at reviving his political career with a fresh perspective. However, just months after his switch, Siddique was silenced by this tragic act of violence.
The former MLA’s sudden death has left a deep void, not just in his family but also among his political colleagues and followers. His popularity extended beyond politics, as he was seen as someone who brought glamour and diplomacy into Maharashtra’s socio-political fabric. Baba Siddique’s assassination is not just an attack on an individual, but an assault on a culture of diplomacy and inclusivity that he had fostered over decades.
The Road Ahead
As Maharashtra reels from the shock of this brutal attack, the focus now shifts to law enforcement and the judiciary. The police will have to answer critical questions about how a high-profile leader, with security in place, became a victim of such a violent act. The investigation teams are racing against time to track down the absconding suspect, and the pressure to get to the bottom of the murder is immense given the upcoming elections.
The state government has vowed to take strict measures against the accused, while also examining the lapses that led to this tragic incident. Baba Siddique’s death highlights the increasing threats faced by political leaders and brings to light the growing concern of contract killings and organized crime networks, especially in a politically charged state like Maharashtra.
As the investigation continues, many are left mourning the loss of a leader who, despite his recent political maneuvering, was well-regarded for his efforts to bridge divides—both within the political landscape and beyond.