Former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique Shot Dead in Mumbai: Arrests Made Amid Rising Law-and-Order Concerns

Mumbai witnessed a shocking crime on Saturday night as former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was fatally shot near the office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, an MLA from Bandra East. The shooting occurred around 9:30 p.m., sending shockwaves across the city. Baba Siddique, 66, was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he was declared dead after sustaining four gunshot wounds. One of his aides was also injured during the attack.

According to initial reports, two people have been arrested in connection with the shooting. The suspects were apprehended in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, while a third individual involved in the attack remains at large.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed deep concern over the killing, stating, “The incident is extremely unfortunate. The police have arrested two individuals, and another is on the run. I have instructed the police to take strict action and ensure that the law-and-order situation does not spiral out of control.”

Political Reactions and Investigation Updates

Following the attack, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home Ministry, rushed to Lilavati Hospital to assess the situation. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and assured the public that justice would be served. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed his shock and grief, describing Baba Siddique as a dear colleague and friend.

Baba Siddique, a seasoned politician who had represented the Bandra West constituency for three consecutive terms, was a long-time member of the Congress party before switching to Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction earlier this year. His political journey and public engagements earned him respect across party lines, as well as in the film industry, where he was well-known for hosting grand iftar parties.

Baba Siddique’s Political and Social Influence

Baba Siddique had a significant political career spanning several decades. He was elected as an MLA in 1999, 2004, and 2009, serving as Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Labour, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 2004 and 2008. His switch from the Congress to Ajit Pawar’s NCP earlier this year was seen as a strategic political move, especially as his son Zeeshan Siddique was also expelled from the Congress in August.

Beyond politics, Siddique was widely respected in social circles for his diplomacy and ability to bridge differences. His annual iftar parties became legendary, drawing both Bollywood stars and political figures. One notable event was the reconciliation between Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan at one of Siddique’s iftar gatherings in 2013. This event marked the end of their long-standing feud, further cementing Siddique’s reputation as a figure capable of bringing people together.

Law and Order Concerns Emerge

The shooting of a high-profile political figure like Baba Siddique has raised concerns about the law-and-order situation in Mumbai, especially in the lead-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections later this year. Several political leaders have spoken out about the incident, questioning how someone under Y-level security could be killed so brazenly in a public space.

Opposition leader Sharad Pawar condemned the attack, stating, “The deteriorating law-and-order situation in Maharashtra is alarming. It is disheartening to see a respected political figure like Baba Siddique gunned down in Mumbai. The government must take responsibility for ensuring the safety of its citizens.”

Vijay Wadettiwar, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, also expressed his concerns, criticizing the state government for allegedly fostering a culture of impunity among criminals. He stated, “Maharashtra is starting to resemble Uttar Pradesh, with the rise in such incidents. Mumbai, once peaceful, now seems vulnerable to crime.”

Recent Spate of Violence in Mumbai

Baba Siddique’s assassination is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Mumbai this year. Just days before his death, another NCP leader, Sachin Kurni, was stabbed to death in Byculla over a local dispute. In April, a gunman associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang opened fire outside actor Salman Khan’s Bandra residence, in another incident that brought attention to Mumbai’s rising crime rates.

A series of shootings related to political and personal disputes have rattled Mumbai in recent months. These events have not only shaken public confidence but also drawn attention to what some are calling a breakdown in the city’s law enforcement mechanisms.

Leaders Demand Accountability

With Siddique’s death becoming a focal point for criticism of the Maharashtra government, calls for accountability are growing. Sharad Pawar, in his statement, called for those responsible for the state’s deteriorating law-and-order situation to step down from their positions. “This incident is a wake-up call for the administration. The state’s governance must be re-evaluated if such incidents are allowed to happen with impunity,” he wrote on social media.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to track down the remaining assailant. Meanwhile, political observers are bracing for the potential fallout of Siddique’s assassination in the lead-up to the assembly elections, where law and order will likely become a significant campaign issue.

 

Baba Siddique’s assassination has left a void in both the political and social spheres of Mumbai. As a veteran politician with a long-standing influence, his death is not only a personal loss to his family and colleagues but also a marker of the challenges faced by the current administration. As the state prepares for elections, the incident underscores the need for urgent measures to restore public confidence in the city’s law and order.