The murder of Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader, has sent shockwaves through Mumbai. Siddique was shot dead in a targeted attack on Saturday, September 16, 2023, outside his son’s office in Bandra East. Three assailants, their faces covered, emerged from a car and opened fire, firing six rounds at Siddique, two of which struck him in the chest. Despite being rushed to Lilavati Hospital, Siddique succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Investigating the Murder
Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating all angles related to the murder. The investigation has revealed that the alleged shooters used pepper spray and then fired shots at Siddique. The attackers were captured on CCTV cameras, providing crucial leads in the investigation. The incident occurred even with three constables guarding Siddique at the time, illustrating the audacity and precision of the attack.
Arresting the Accused
Police arrested two accused individuals: Dharmraj Singh Kashyap and Gurmail Baljit Singh, who were apprehended soon after the incident. Following a court hearing, Kashyap’s age was questioned. His lawyer presented an Aadhaar card with a 2003 birth year, implying he was a minor at the time of the incident. To determine his true age, the court ordered an ossification test. Baljit Singh, on the other hand, was remanded in police custody for seven days, with authorities seeking an extension of 14 days to thoroughly investigate the case, particularly any possible international links. Police are also probing the possibility of a political motive behind the attack.
The Other Suspects
Three suspects are still at large. Shiva Kumar alias Shiv Kumar Gautam, believed to be the shooter who fired at Siddique, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ansari, who reportedly helped the other three assailants conduct surveillance of Siddique’s residence and provided them with a map of the area, are still on the run.
Potential Motives and Angles
Police are investigating potential motives for the murder, including:
Political Rivalry:
The prosecution suggested that the killing could stem from a political rivalry, emphasizing the need to thoroughly investigate this aspect. The involvement of politicians in the case could point to a larger power struggle within the NCP or even at a broader political level.
Lawrence Bishnoi Gang:
A social media post emerged, claiming that a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the murder. The police are investigating the gang’s possible involvement. Bishnoi has been linked to several other high-profile cases, including the murder of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. His gang has been known to be involved in extortion and criminal activities.
Salman Khan Connection:
The connection to Salman Khan is still unclear. Salman Khan has a known history with the Bishnoi gang, stemming from a wildlife case, and some reports have suggested a potential link between this connection and the Siddique murder, however, the details are unclear.
The Legacy of Baba Siddique
Baba Siddique was a prominent political figure in Maharashtra and a well-known philanthropist. His murder has sent shockwaves through the political and social fabric of Mumbai. The investigation into his killing is ongoing and the outcome will shed light on the motivations and the players involved in the tragedy.
Takeaway Points
- Baba Siddique, a prominent NCP leader, was shot dead in a targeted attack.
- Police arrested two suspects but are still searching for three others involved.
- The investigation is examining various angles, including political motives, the involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, and a possible connection to Salman Khan.
- The case raises concerns about political violence and security vulnerabilities in Mumbai.
- The incident has sparked widespread grief and condemnation, highlighting the impact of the crime.
