Digital News Desk:
The shocking murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique on the night of October 12, 2024, in Mumbai’s Bandra area has gripped the nation, igniting intense discussions around law enforcement, political rivalries, and organized crime in Maharashtra. Siddique, a veteran politician who was closely associated with Bollywood personalities and had represented the Bandra constituency in Maharashtra’s Legislative Assembly, was ambushed and shot dead by three assailants, despite receiving Y-category security. This tragic event has sparked an outcry from political leaders, who are now raising concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
Incident Details
The incident took place around 9:15 PM as Baba Siddique was leaving his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra. Reports indicate that the attackers, believed to be contract killers, used the noise of firecrackers being set off nearby as cover for the shots fired at Siddique.
The attackers fired multiple rounds from a 9.9mm pistol, fatally injuring the 66-year-old politician. Despite being rushed to Lilavati Hospital, Siddique succumbed to his injuries shortly after the attack.
According to eyewitness accounts and the investigation by Mumbai Police, six empty bullet shells were recovered from the crime scene. The precision and coordination of the attack have led law enforcement agencies to suspect the involvement of a professional hit squad. Early indications suggest that the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has been linked to similar high-profile crimes, may have played a role in the murder.
Background and Threats
Baba Siddique had received death threats just two weeks prior to the attack, prompting security agencies to assign him Y-category protection. This level of security is typically given to individuals facing serious threats, with round-the-clock guards and escort services. However, questions are now being raised about how the attackers were able to bypass this security, execute the assassination in a crowded public area, and escape without immediate capture.
Siddique’s political career spanned several decades, and he was well-known for his influence in Mumbai’s political and social spheres. He shared close ties with several Bollywood celebrities, most notably Salman Khan, who canceled his shoot for Bigg Boss 18 upon hearing the news and rushed to the hospital to pay his respects.
Political Fallout
The murder has triggered a political storm in Maharashtra. Opposition leaders, particularly from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress, have criticized the ruling Eknath Shinde-led state government for failing to maintain law and order in the state. Many have questioned how a leader like Siddique, who was under police protection, could be killed so brazenly in a bustling part of Mumbai.
The opposition has framed the incident as part of a broader pattern of violence and insecurity in Maharashtra under the Shinde government. Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray expressed shock at the incident, demanding accountability and a thorough investigation. “This is not just a failure of security; it is an attack on democracy,” Thackeray said in a statement, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in the state’s policing system.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who oversees the Home Ministry in Maharashtra, has ordered an immediate and detailed investigation into the murder. Fadnavis assured the public that the culprits would be apprehended quickly and that no stone would be left unturned in bringing justice to Siddique and his family.
Organized Crime Connection
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which is suspected of involvement, is notorious for its links to organized crime and its involvement in several high-profile killings across India. The gang had previously issued threats to Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan. The Mumbai Police have indicated that they are investigating possible links between Siddique’s murder and the gang’s criminal activities.
This murder comes at a time when Maharashtra is already facing political instability and rising concerns over public safety. The audacity of the attack and the public nature of the assassination have raised fears about the resurgence of organized crime in Mumbai. Political killings in Mumbai are not new, but this incident marks one of the most high-profile assassinations in recent years.
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