The recent assassination of Baba Siddique, a prominent politician in Mumbai, has sent shockwaves across India. Siddique, 66, was shot near his car on Saturday night after leaving his son’s office. He later died in the hospital. His murder has sparked a political blame game, though the motive remains unclear.
Siddique’s death has evoked memories of the 1990s when Mumbai’s underworld frequently targeted politicians and celebrities. So far, police have arrested three individuals, reportedly connected to a notorious gang, and investigations are ongoing.
Who was Baba Siddique?
Born in Bihar, Siddique moved to Mumbai at five with his watchmaker father. He began his political career in the 1980s as a student leader in Congress, eventually becoming a state minister in 2004. He left Congress earlier this year to join the Nationalist Congress Party, which currently governs Maharashtra with BJP and Shiv Sena. Aside from politics, Siddique was known for his star-studded iftar parties, which became major events on Mumbai’s social calendar.
How was Siddique killed?
Siddique was shot outside his son’s office in the bustling Bandra area. Three gunmen fired multiple rounds, hitting Siddique in the abdomen and chest. A bystander was also injured. The attackers reportedly distracted Siddique’s police guards with a smoke firecracker before fleeing the scene. Police recovered firearms and ammunition from the suspects.
What is the state of the investigation?
Authorities have arrested three men and are seeking others involved. The men are believed to be connected to the Bishnoi gang, whose leader Lawrence Bishnoi is in a high-security prison but continues to make headlines. A Facebook post claimed responsibility for the killing on behalf of the gang, though police have yet to confirm this. Bishnoi’s name has surfaced in high-profile cases, including the 2022 murder of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moosewala and threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan.
What are the wider implications?
This is the first major political assassination in Mumbai since the 1990s, reviving concerns over law and order in the city. Just days before his death, Siddique received threats, leading to a security upgrade. His murder has put pressure on Maharashtra’s government, especially with upcoming elections. Political figures, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, have criticized the government for failing to prevent the assassination. However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has vowed that the culprits will be brought to justice, regardless of their connections to underworld gangs.
