On October 12th, 66-year-old former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, a prominent leader from Ajit Pawar’s NCP, was fatally shot by three assailants in Bandra East, Mumbai. The incident occurred during Dussehra celebrations outside his son, Zeeshan Siddique’s office. While two suspects have been arrested, reportedly connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, the third remains at large. The attack has raised concerns over the city’s law and order situation, with Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, promising strict action. Siddique, a seasoned politician with decades of service, leaves behind a significant political legacy.

A Shocking Assassination in Bandra East

On the fateful night of October 12th, a brutal assassination rocked Mumbai’s political landscape. Former Maharashtra minister and veteran politician Baba Siddique was gunned down in front of his son’s office while celebrating Dussehra. Eyewitness accounts reveal the chilling nature of the attack—three assailants, their faces covered, emerged from a vehicle and shot Siddique multiple times using a 9.9mm pistol. Despite being rushed to Lilavati Hospital, Siddique succumbed to his injuries, marking the tragic end of his illustrious political career.

The Attack and Police Investigation

The shooting, which occurred at approximately 9:30 PM, led to immediate action by Mumbai police. Two suspects, Karnail Singh and Dharamraj Kashyap, were swiftly apprehended, with the police identifying them as members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. According to reports, the two had been meticulously tracking Siddique's movements for over a month. Their affiliations with criminal networks have raised serious concerns about organized crime infiltrating political circles. As the Crime Branch continues its investigation, a third suspect remains on the run, heightening the urgency of the case.

Political and Public Reactions

Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, responded swiftly to the assassination, vowing to ensure that justice is served. His strong statement underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that “No one can take law and order into their own hands.” The murder of such a high-profile political figure has sent shockwaves through the state, prompting calls for heightened security measures for public officials. Political leaders from various parties have condemned the attack, expressing concern over the safety of those in public service.

Baba Siddique: A Legacy of Public Service

Born in Patna on September 13, 1958, Baba Siddique’s journey from a young Congress worker to a seasoned political leader was one of perseverance and commitment. His rise began in 1980 as General Secretary of Bandra Taluka, followed by his presidency of the Mumbai Youth Congress in 1988. Siddique was elected as a Municipal Councillor in 1992, before representing the Bandra West constituency as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1999 until 2014. His departure from Congress in early 2024 and subsequent alignment with the NCP was seen as a strategic political move, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled leader.