Baba Siddique, a leader from the Ajit faction of the NCP, was shot dead in Mumbai on Saturday night. The incident occurred outside his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique's office in Kher Nagar, Bandra, where he was targeted by three assailants. Despite being assigned Y-category security, no constable was present at the time.
Sources indicate that the shooters, who arrived in an auto, fired six rounds from two firearms, striking Baba with three bullets—two in the stomach and one in the chest. The assailants had their mouths covered with handkerchiefs. Two of the three shooters have since been arrested, and during their interrogation, they revealed that they had been surveilling Baba's residence and son's office for the past two months.
According to the information, Siddique had received death threats 15 days ago and was provided 'Y' category security.
Left Cong in Feb
Baba Siddique, who was a senior Congress leader and was considered a close associate of former Union minister Sunil Dutt and his daughter Priya Dutt, left the Congress party in February 2024 to join the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP. Siddiqui and his son Zeeshan were planning to decide their political direction ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Possible Involvement of Lawrence Gang
There are indications that the Lawrence gang may be linked to the shooting incident involving Baba Siddique. In light of this development, security measures have been heightened outside actor Salman Khan's Galaxy Apartment in Bandra, with an additional police team deployed. It is noteworthy that the Lawrence gang had previously fired shots outside Salman's residence on April 14.
The postmortem of Siddique's body is underway at Cooper Hospital in Mumbai, being conducted by a team of five doctors since approximately 7:30 am. The entire procedure is being recorded on video.
Following the postmortem, Siddique's body will be transported to his residence at Maqba Heights for the final rites. He is scheduled to be buried at Bada Qabristan in front of Marine Lines station after Maghrib prayers, around 8:30 pm.
2 held
According to Mumbai Police, the arrested accused Gurmail Baljit Singh (23 years) is from Haryana and Dharamraj Rajesh Kashyap (19 years) is from Uttar Pradesh. The identity of the third accused is yet to be revealed. Mumbai Police is searching for him in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana.
According to sources, firecrackers were being burst during the Durga Visarjan procession on Saturday night. The accused attacked at this time. The attackers shot Siddiqui amid the noise of firecrackers, which drowned the sound of firing.
After the firing, all three attackers fled. The crowd caught two accused at a distance of about 50 meters. One managed to escape.
Investigating Multiple Angles in Murder
In addition to the potential involvement of the Lawrence gang, Mumbai Police are exploring various other angles in the investigation of Baba Siddiqui's murder. These include the possibilities of contract killing, business rivalry, and threats related to a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project.
Media reports indicate that the SRA is a scheme designed to identify slums and initiate redevelopment efforts. However, details regarding Baba's specific role in any disputes related to the SRA have not yet been disclosed.
Baba Siddiqui previously faced accusations of misusing his position while serving as the chairman of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority from 2000 to 2004. This matter was also under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
MVA leaders slam Mahayuti govt
Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders have strongly criticized the Mahayuti government over the sensational murder of Baba Siddiqui and demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Baba Siddiqui had represented the Bandra (West) assembly seat thrice. He was also known as a prominent Muslim leader of Mumbai and close to many Bollywood stars.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar has informed him that two suspected shooters have been detained. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the charge of Home Ministry, reached Lilavati Hospital after the incident.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his deep condolences and said that he is with Baba Siddiqui's family, friends and supporters in this hour of grief. He said that the Maharashtra government should conduct a thorough and transparent investigation in this case so that the culprits are punished as soon as possible and justice is ensured.