NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot dead in Mumbai on Saturday evening. The 66-year-old politician was attacked near his office by three men, with gunshots to his stomach and chest. Despite being rushed to Lilavati Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
Two suspects from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have been arrested, while a third is still at large. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed the arrests and said, “Strict action will be taken against those responsible.” The assailants reportedly used firecrackers as a distraction before opening fire near the office of Siddique’s son, Zeeshan Siddique, an MLA.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed his shock, calling Siddique a “good colleague and friend.” He condemned the “cowardly attack” on social media. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya described the killing as part of a “larger conspiracy,” urging a thorough investigation.
Siddique, a veteran politician, was elected as MLA for three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2009. He held key positions, including Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Labour, and the FDA. He recently joined Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction after decades in the Indian National Congress.
The incident has heightened concerns over political violence in Maharashtra ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Police are actively searching for the third suspect, with authorities pledging swift justice.
