Baba Siddique’s shocking and tragic murder on Dussehra night has left not just the political and social landscape of Maharashtra in mourning, but also sent ripples of fear and outrage across the country. The former Maharashtra Minister, known for his long-standing association with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under Ajit Pawar, was a prominent figure in Mumbai’s political circles. His deep-rooted connections with both the political elite and the film industry had made him a well-respected figure. Siddique was known for hosting lavish Iftar parties that brought together Bollywood stars, politicians, and members of different communities in a display of unity and festivity.
On the fateful night of his assassination, Siddique was in high spirits as he celebrated Dussehra, an occasion that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Just hours before the fatal attack, his festive message on X (formerly Twitter) demonstrated his positive and joyous outlook for the day. However, this celebratory mood took a dark turn when three armed men, with their faces concealed by handkerchiefs, approached him and opened fire. The attackers, armed with a 9.9 mm pistol, fired three shots, one of which struck Siddique fatally in the chest.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic atmosphere as the sound of firecrackers masked the gunshots, delaying the realization of what had happened. The assailants fled immediately after the shooting, leaving the NCP leader lying in a pool of blood. His security team and supporters rushed him to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra, where doctors did everything they could to save him, but sadly, Siddique was declared dead shortly after his arrival.
The murder has raised serious concerns about political violence and the safety of public figures in Mumbai, a city that is no stranger to high-profile attacks. The police acted swiftly, apprehending two of the suspects—Gurmail Baljit Singh, aged 23, from Haryana, and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap, aged 19, from Uttar Pradesh—soon after the incident. Both men were caught based on eyewitness accounts and security footage. The third suspect, Shiv Kumar, remains at large, and efforts are underway to track him down. Investigators believe that the attack was meticulously planned, with the attackers receiving financial compensation and the firearms being handed over to them well in advance of the crime.
Authorities also revealed that another individual, Mohammad Jasin Akhtar, is suspected of involvement in the case. Akhtar has alleged connections to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a group that has gained notoriety for its involvement in various criminal activities, including extortion and targeted killings. While the police are still investigating the exact motive behind Siddique’s murder, there are strong suspicions that it could be linked to the ongoing tensions between certain political factions and criminal elements.
The involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang adds another layer of complexity to the case. The Bishnoi gang has previously been linked to high-profile threats and attacks, particularly those targeting Bollywood celebrities. Notably, the gang has made threats against actor Salman Khan in the past, accusing him of involvement in the killing of a blackbuck, an animal considered sacred by the Bishnoi community. Some speculate that Siddique’s close ties with Bollywood, including his association with Salman Khan, may have made him a target.
As the investigation continues, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has vowed to leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for Baba Siddique. The government has assured the public that all leads will be pursued rigorously, and those responsible for orchestrating this brutal assassination will be held accountable. Shinde also called for increased security measures for public figures, stressing the need for political leaders to feel safe as they serve their constituencies.
In the wake of Siddique’s murder, several political leaders, Bollywood stars, and citizens have expressed their shock and grief. Prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and other celebrities who had been regular attendees at Siddique’s famous Iftar parties, have extended their condolences to his family. Political leaders across the spectrum have condemned the murder, with many calling for stronger measures to combat the rising threat of political violence in the state.
Baba Siddique’s death has also reignited debates about the nexus between politics and organized crime in Mumbai. The involvement of gangs like the Lawrence Bishnoi group in such targeted killings raises questions about the safety of public figures and the effectiveness of law enforcement in curbing the influence of criminal syndicates in the political arena. Many are calling for an overhaul of the security arrangements for high-profile politicians, especially in a city like Mumbai, where the intersection of politics, business, and crime has long been a concern.
As the police continue their manhunt for the remaining suspects, including the fugitive Shiv Kumar, the citizens of Mumbai await answers. Baba Siddique’s murder has left an indelible mark on the city’s political landscape, and it has sent a clear message about the dangerous levels of violence that can occur even during public celebrations.
