MUMBAI: In a shocking incident, Baba Siddique, a former minister in Maharashtra and a prominent political figure affiliated with the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was shot dead near his son’s office in Bandra, Mumbai, on the night of October 12. The attack occurred around 9:30 PM while Siddique was reportedly celebrating with firecrackers.
Sources indicate that three assailants, with their faces covered, emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on Siddique using a 9mm pistol. Tragically, one bullet struck him in the chest, causing him to collapse immediately. Eyewitnesses rushed him to Lilavati Hospital, but it was reported shortly afterwards that he had succumbed to his injuries. An aide of Siddique also sustained a gunshot wound during the incident.
#WATCH | Baba Siddique firing | Additional CP Paramjit Singh Dahiya says, "Around 9:30 pm this incident happened in Nirmal Nagar. Baba Siddique was admitted to Lilavati Hospital after this incident. Police have arrested two accused. Crime Branch Mumbai is investigating the entire… pic.twitter.com/FtbTil7Iko
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2024
Authorities were quickly notified, prompting a swift police response. Two suspects, one hailing from Uttar Pradesh and the other from Haryana, have been arrested in connection with the shooting. However, a third suspect remains at large, and police are actively working to apprehend him.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the attack, stating, “Two accused have been arrested, and one suspect is still at large. No one can take law and order into their own hands.” He assured that the police would take strict action to maintain order and prevent any resurgence of gang-related violence in Mumbai. Shinde further emphasized the need for a swift investigation and expressed his condolences over Siddique’s death.
#WATCH | Baba Siddique firing | Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says, "This is an extremely unfortunate incident and I spoke to the doctors and police. Two people have been arrested, the accused are from UP and Haryana. The third accused is absconding. We have given instructions to… pic.twitter.com/NpJ8h11XMy
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2024
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who oversees the Home portfolio, visited the hospital to gather details about the incident. Ajit Pawar, also a Deputy Chief Minister and Siddique’s political ally, expressed shock upon learning about his friend and colleague’s tragic demise, stating he had lost a “good colleague.”
Who was Baba Siddique?
Baba Siddique’s political journey began in his teenage years when he joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and its student wing, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). Over the years, he rose to prominence, serving three consecutive terms as an MLA from Bandra West between 1999 and 2009. He also held the position of Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Labour, and FDA during his tenure.
In February of this year, Siddique made headlines when he departed from the Congress to join Ajit Pawar’s NCP. Reflecting on his departure, he remarked, “My condition in the Congress was like how curry leaves are used to enhance the taste of food. I was treated like that in the Congress Party.” His son, Zeeshan Siddique, followed in his political footsteps as an MLA representing Bandra East but was expelled from the Congress in August due to alleged anti-party activities.
The shooting incident has raised alarm, as it took place on Dussehra and just months before the Maharashtra Assembly elections are expected to occur later this year. NCP spokesperson Brijmohan Shrivastav conveyed shock at the incident, stating that Siddique had not indicated any threats prior to this event.
Baba Siddique was not only known for his political influence but also his social prowess. He was renowned for hosting extravagant parties that drew Bollywood stars and political leaders alike.
#Baba Siddiqui
Baba Siddiqui can be judged from the fact that the biggest superstars of Bollywood used to meet him that is also news that Baba Siddiqui had a big hand in bringing Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan together may god gave him place in history pic.twitter.com/YNb1Gwtw7W— 💝🌹💖🇮🇳jaggirmRanbir🇮🇳💖🌹💝 (@jaggirm) October 12, 2024
Notably, he played a crucial role in ending the cold war between superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan in 2013, when he hosted an Iftar party that brought the two actors together for the first time in five years.
