The assassination of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui in Mumbai’s Bandra on Saturday night has sent shockwaves across the state. The brazen attack, which occurred outside Siddiqui’s son’s office in Kher Nagar, was carried out by three shooters who fired six bullets at the NCP leader. The assailants, arrested shortly after the incident, claimed to be members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal outfit that has also threatened Bollywood actor Salman Khan. The incident highlights the growing threat posed by organized crime and the need for increased security measures to protect prominent figures in the state.
The Killing of Baba Siddiqui
On the night of Saturday, October 20, 2024, Baba Siddiqui was shot dead by three assailants in the Kher Nagar area of Bandra, Mumbai. The assailants opened fire on Siddiqui around 9.30 pm, while he was outside his son’s office. Siddiqui, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and former Maharashtra minister, was taken to Lilavati Hospital, where he was declared dead. The incident has shaken the political and social landscape of Maharashtra, sparking concerns about the rise of organized crime and the lack of adequate security for high-profile figures.
The Assailants and Their Connection to the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
The police arrested two of the three shooters involved in the attack: Gurmail Baljit Singh (23) and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap (19). Both hailed from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The assailants confessed their affiliation with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The gang, known for its involvement in various criminal activities including extortion and murder, has previously made headlines for threatening Bollywood actor Salman Khan.
Motive Behind the Attack and Security Measures
The motive behind the attack is yet to be established. However, it is suspected that Siddiqui might have been targeted due to his political affiliations. It is also possible that he was targeted due to his role in a local dispute, though no information about such disputes is yet public. In recent years, the state has witnessed a surge in crimes against prominent personalities, which has led to the implementation of stringent security measures for political and religious figures.
The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang: A Growing Threat to Public Security
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has become a significant threat to public security in India. Headed by the notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, the gang is known for its involvement in a wide range of criminal activities. The gang has its roots in the state of Punjab and operates across several states, with a growing network in Maharashtra. The group’s involvement in the Siddiqui assassination further reinforces its growing influence.
Threat to Bollywood: The Salman Khan Case
The Bishnoi gang’s involvement in the Siddiqui murder is particularly worrisome because of the group’s history of targeting celebrities. Earlier this year, Salman Khan had received death threats from the gang. The actor’s security had been significantly enhanced following the threats, but the incident had raised serious concerns about the gang’s growing reach and influence in the entertainment industry.
Investigation and the Aftermath
The Mumbai Police launched a swift investigation following the attack. Police teams have been deployed to track down the third shooter and investigate the gang’s activities in the state. The attack on Siddiqui has raised significant questions about the efficacy of the security measures put in place for high-profile individuals and has highlighted the growing need for stronger security and intelligence measures.
Public and Political Response
The incident sparked widespread condemnation from across political parties and prominent figures. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured stringent action against the perpetrators. Several leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, NCP leader Ajit Pawar, and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale visited the hospital to pay their respects.
Key Takeaways
The killing of Baba Siddiqui is a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by organized crime in India. The involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang raises serious concerns about its growing influence and the need for coordinated action by law enforcement agencies across the country to effectively counter the group’s criminal activities. The incident highlights the need for strengthened security measures for high-profile individuals and better intelligence sharing to effectively prevent such attacks. The need for stricter gun control laws is also paramount, to curb the widespread availability of firearms used in such crimes.
