The assassination of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui has sparked significant political turmoil. Gunmen shot Siddiqui near his son’s office in Bandra late Saturday evening.
Authorities have arrested two suspects linked to the shooting and identified a third shooter. The notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for Siddiqui’s murder.
As the police investigate, Congress and BJP officials have clashed over the incident. The BJP-led Maharashtra government has urged against politicizing the tragedy, but Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has condemned the government, stating that the law and order situation in Maharashtra has deteriorated.
Gandhi expressed his sorrow, saying, “Baba Siddiqui’s murder is very sad and shocking. I extend my condolences to his family during this difficult time. This horrific incident demonstrates that the law and order situation in Maharashtra has completely collapsed. Governments must be held accountable, and justice must be served.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari defended the Maharashtra government, asserting that the ruling coalition has taken swift action against the culprits. He noted that the Mahayuti government, formed by Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, the BJP, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, is committed to justice.
Bhandari stated, “The ND government of Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar has already arrested two suspects within 24 hours of the incident. A search for the third suspect is underway, and he will be apprehended soon. This is not a matter of politics. Baba Siddiqui was a prominent leader, and no one can evade the law in Maharashtra.”
Gunmen shot Baba Siddiqui with weapons they acquired only days prior to the attack. They received ₹50,000 for the murder and had rented a house in Kurla for less than 30 days, paying ₹14,000 per month. Before the shooting, they gathered detailed information about Siddiqui’s house and office, executing the attack around 9:15 PM on Saturday.
Following the shooting, authorities transported Siddiqui’s body to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem examination around 6 AM the next morning.