Baba Siddique, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, was tragically shot dead in Mumbai on Saturday evening. The former minister, who had recently joined the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was attacked by assailants outside his son’s office in Kher Nagar, Mumbai. He was immediately transported to Lilavati Hospital, but despite emergency medical attention, he was pronounced dead at 11:27 pm.
The Shooting Incident
The incident unfolded around 9:30 pm on Saturday evening when Siddique was meeting with constituents at his son’s office. A group of four individuals, believed to be the assailants, targeted Siddique outside the building. Police sources indicate that the attackers had been observing Siddique’s movements, and one of the individuals acted as a lookout, relaying his location to the other shooters. A total of six shots were fired, with two of them striking Siddique in the chest.
Swift Police Response
The immediate presence of police officers in the area due to Dussehra celebrations proved crucial. The prompt response led to the apprehension of two of the suspects: Gurmail Baljit Singh (23) from Haryana, and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap (19) from Uttar Pradesh. However, the other two assailants escaped by blending into the crowd.
The Investigation
The Mumbai police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the murder. Five teams have been assembled to work on various aspects of the case. The investigation is focused on identifying and apprehending the remaining suspects and unraveling the motive behind the attack.
Exploring the Lawrence Bishnoi Angle
Sources within the Mumbai police have confirmed that the investigation will explore a potential connection to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal organization. This decision is likely based on the recent increase in high-profile targeted killings linked to this gang.
Security Concerns
The attack on Baba Siddique has raised serious security concerns. Despite receiving ‘Y’ category security following a death threat fifteen days before the incident, he was tragically killed. This underscores the vulnerability of even high-profile individuals facing threats and the need for robust security measures.
Political Fallout
The murder of Baba Siddique has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP and other political parties have condemned the violence. The Maharashtra Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, has assured a thorough investigation and stated that the case will be tried in a fast-track court.
Take Away Points:
- Baba Siddique was shot and killed outside his son’s office in Mumbai.
- Two suspects have been arrested, but the other two assailants remain at large.
- Police are investigating the potential involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
- The incident has raised concerns about security measures for high-profile individuals facing threats.
- The murder has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape, with leaders from all parties condemning the violence.
