Mumbai: As the influential former minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Ziauddin Siddique affectionately called Baba Siddique, was laid to rest at Bada Kabristan in Mumbai, questions linger about his shocking murder and the motives behind it.
The murder has drawn connections to the escalating feud between notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Bollywood star Salman Khan.
Where was Baba Siddique shot dead?
On Saturday night, Siddique was ambushed and shot by unidentified assailants just outside his son’s office in Kher Nagar. Despite immediate medical attention at Lilavati Hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Who is behind the murder?
In the wake of his death, the Mumbai Crime Branch quickly apprehended two suspects, identified as Karnail Singh from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh. A third was arrested almost 24 hours later. It is believed that more people are involved in the murder.
A Mumbai court has remanded Singh into police custody until October 21, requiring that Kashyap undergo an ossification test—a procedure used to estimate age based on bone development—before further court appearances.
Are shooters from Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang?
The shooters, during interrogation, claimed allegiance to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, revealing they had arrived in Mumbai 25 to 30 days before the assassination under the watchful eye of an unidentified conspirator who had facilitated their stay and provided advance payment for the hit.
Was it a planned murder?
According to the investigation agencies, the shooters conducted extensive surveillance on Siddique’s residence and office for weeks leading up to the attack. On the night of the shooting, the trio reportedly used an auto rickshaw to reach Bandra East, the crime scene.
How many people are involved?
Crime Branch officials suspect a fourth person may exist, potentially serving as a critical informant for the investigation agency. Investigators are racing against time to uncover this informant’s identity and the broader conspiracy behind the murder.
How was the firearm delivered to shooters?
Compounding the intrigue, it was disclosed that the firearm used in the attack was couriered to the shooters by an arms dealer, with payments prearranged by their conspirator.
Opposition parties demand CBI investigation
The investigation is also revealing deeper issues in Maharashtra’s law enforcement, as opposition parties have called into question the deteriorating security situation in the state. Congress leader Rashid Alvi has demanded a CBI investigation, labelling the arrests as “suspicious” and indicative of police incompetence. He raised alarms over public safety, noting the shocking nature of Siddique’s assassination, which occurred despite his government-provided security detail.
“This should be investigated…The arrests made in the case are suspicious. I think those arrests were made just to hide the incompetence of the police there. This matter should be investigated by CBI,” Alvi said.
“He was a well-known politician of Maharashtra. Earlier, he was in our party, then he joined Ajit Pawar’s faction. He was provided with security. Despite that, he was shot by strangers. It is a concerning matter. Is there no law and order? If Baba Siddique can be murdered like this, then how the common man of Maharashtra would feel safe?” he asked while speaking to the reporters.
UTB questions the Maha government’s effectiveness in addressing criminal activity
Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), echoed these sentiments, questioning the government’s effectiveness in addressing criminal activity while focusing on political opponents. “Whether it is the arrest of the accused in Baba Siddique’s murder or encounter of Akshay Shinde (Badlapur rape case accused), suspicions are being raised on every act of this govt and this is not a good thing. We are not sure who are these arrested accused. They (Maharashtra govt) are keeping tabs on our movements but are not watching the criminals,” Thackeray said.
Political legacy of Baba Siddique
Siddique’s political legacy is significant; he served as an MLA for three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2009 and held various ministerial positions from 2004 to 2008. His contributions extended beyond politics, as he played a notable role in bridging gaps within the Bollywood industry.
