Baba Siddique of the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was shot dead in Mumbai’s Bandra area on Saturday (October 12, 2024) at 9.30 p.m. The shooting took place outside his Bandra East MLA son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Neelamnagar.
“The police have nabbed two persons. One is from Haryana, and the other from Uttar Pradesh. The police are conducting further investigation,” Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told presspersons.
Third accused flees
The police are on the lookout for a third accused who fled after the firing. They are also probing if any gang is involved.
Baba Siddique with actors Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan during an iftar party in Mumbai on July 21, 2013. | Photo Credit: PTI
Guarded by Y-security cover, Mr. Siddique was a former Minister and a three-time legislator. He was famous for his glitzy Iftar parties that were attended by all film stars. He was known to be close to a few film stars. His son Zeeshan Siddique is an MLA from Bandra.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, rushed to Lilavati Hospital where Mr. Siddique was taken for admission. “The firing incident took place at 9.30 p.m. Our police teams chased and caught the accused who opened fire. Police have caught two persons. We have recovered a pistol. Further investigation is going on,” a senior police official said. The injured were taken to the hospital. Local media reported that Mr. Siddique had received a threat recently.
As new spread about the death, large crowds gathered outside the hospital. Security was beefed up in and around the area.
In a condolence message on X, deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar described the attack as extremely unfortunate and condemnable. “I was shocked on learning that he died in this incident,” Mr. Pawar said, adding that he had lost a good friend and colleague. We have lost a leader who fought for the minority community and championed secularism,” he said, adding that a thorough probe would be conducted into the attack.
A crowd gathers outside Lilavati Hospital where NCP Senior leader Baba Siddique was admitted after he was shot at by unidentified persons in Mumbai on October 12, 2024. | Photo Credit: ANI
Maharashtra NCP (SP) chief Jayant Patil and other political leaders also condoled the death of Mr. Siddique.
“The news of the death of my old colleague Baba Siddique is very shocking. Baba Siddique and I also worked together in the cabinet. A moving tribute to him,” Mr. Patil tweeted.
Senior NCP leader Praful Patel posted on X: “Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the demise of senior NCP leader Baba Siddiqui ji. This cowardly and heinous crime must be strongly condemned, and those responsible should not be spared. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”
While the government said that the police were probing the matter, the Opposition slammed the government over the collapse of law and order situation.
Baba Siddique with actor Salman Khan during the former’s iftar Party in Mumbai on June 24, 2017. | Photo Credit: PTI
NCP(SP) leader Sharad Pawar called for a thorough investigation following Siddique’s death. “The law and order situation in the State has collapsed, and it is a cause of concern. The shooting of former State Minister Baba Siddique in Mumbai, the financial capital of the country, is regrettable. If the Home Minister and the rulers are going to push the cart of the State so mildly, it can be an alarm bell for the common people. There is a need to not only investigate this, but also to accept the responsibility and step down from the position as the rulers. A heartfelt tribute to Baba Siddiqui. Condolences to his family,” he posted on X.
Several Congress leaders also posted messages expressing shock over the deteriorating law and order situation.
Published - October 12, 2024 11:35 pm IST
