The tragic murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique has shaken the political and public landscape of Maharashtra. In response, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that the trial of the case will be fast-tracked to ensure swift justice.
Shinde also revealed that renowned encounter specialist Daya Nayak has been assigned to lead the investigation. The CM emphasised that law and order must be strictly maintained, cautioning that no one should take matters into their own hands or attempt to revive gang-related violence. Strict action will be taken against those responsible for such incidents.
The killing of Baba Siddique has triggered a political outcry, with NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule expressing shock and concern over the state of law and order in Mumbai.
She highlighted how disturbing it is that a high-profile political figure could be murdered in his own son's office, questioning the safety of citizens if even members of the ruling government alliance are not safe. NCP-SP legislator Rohit Pawar also expressed his grief and paid tribute to Siddique, calling the incident deeply shocking.
The incident took place on Saturday night at the Khetwadi Junction in Bandra, Mumbai. The attack occurred amid darkness as the streetlights in the area were reportedly switched off, and no CCTV cameras were available to capture the incident.
According to police reports, six rounds were fired at Siddique from two pistols, three of which struck him in the chest, while another bullet hit an individual accompanying him. Though Siddique's car was bullet-proof, the shots managed to penetrate the glass, indicating that the attackers were armed with sophisticated pistols.
Eyewitnesses reported that three assailants, whose faces were covered with handkerchiefs, approached Siddique at close range. After the shooting, two of the attackers were apprehended by a nearby crowd and handed over to the police. The police also recovered a 9.9 mm pistol and bullet casings from the scene, adding to suspicions that the weapons used were modern and advanced.
The police have been investigating all angles of the case and have confirmed that Siddique was leaving his son Zeeshan's office when the attack occurred.
The attack was carried out during the Vijaydashami festivities, a time when the streets were filled with the noise of processions, musical instruments, and fireworks.
The attackers appeared to have used this cover to carry out their deadly mission unnoticed. As news of the incident spread, supporters of Baba Siddique gathered outside Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital in a show of solidarity and grief.
In the aftermath of the attack, Mumbai Police have increased security in the area, particularly around Khetwadi Junction. Senior officers have reached the site, and multiple police teams are working around the clock to investigate and piece together the circumstances leading to Siddique's murder.
Early reports suggest that Baba Siddique had received a death threat just two weeks prior to the attack. In response to that threat, the police had provided him Y-level security, which included a police constable stationed with him at all times.
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