It is tragic that former Maharashtra minister and senior politician Baba Siddiqui was shot dead on the night of October 12, 2024, in Mumbai, India. The incident took place at the office of his son, Congress MLA from Bandra East, Zeeshan Siddiqui. According to reports, three bullets were fired at the politician, with at least one hitting him straight into the chest. Siddiqui was immediately rushed to Lilavati Hospital but breathed his last.
As the police search for killers, two suspects-one from Uttar Pradesh, the other from Haryana-have been detained for interrogation. The authorities have assured an investigation at all costs into the killing that has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum. It happens when assembly elections to Maharashtra are just weeks away in 2024, leading the issue to take on a political dimension.
Baba Siddiqui, who has only recently joined from Congress to the Ajit Pawar-led faction of NCP, is a powerful man and had been known for his service as three-term MLA from Bandra and a that could be called the troubleshooter of the Congress party. His iftar parties would be attended by Bollywood stars and politicians, and so he would find himself in one place or the other in political circles as well.
Condolences have been offered by political leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Many people have been outraged by the incident. “People are saying that such dreadful incidents never happen. Swift justice should be done to bring the perpetrators to book,” said officials.
