Sun Oct 13 07:22:01 UTC 2024: ## NCP Leader Baba Siddique Shot Dead in Mumbai, Law and Order Under Scrutiny

Mumbai, October 13, 2024: Former Maharashtra Minister and senior NCP leader Baba Siddique was shot dead by three assailants in Mumbai on Saturday night, triggering a political storm and raising serious concerns about law and order in the state.

Siddique, a leader in Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP, was shot near Nirmal Nagar in Bandra. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police have arrested two of the assailants, identified as Gurmail Singh (23) from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap (19) from Uttar Pradesh. The accused had allegedly performed recce of Siddique’s house and office premises and were living in Mumbai for the past one and a half to two months.

Initial investigations suggest the assailants were part of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The shooters claimed they were paid in advance for the act and had received arms delivery a few days ago. The police are also investigating the possibility of a contract killing or business rivalry.

The incident has sparked outrage among political leaders from across the spectrum. NCP President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar condemned the attack, calling it “unfortunate, condemnable, and painful.” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray termed the incident a “complete collapse of administration, law and order.”

Congress leader Atul L Patil questioned the law and order situation in the state, stating that “from small girls to politicians, no one is safe.”

Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi expressed concern over the lack of security for politicians and ordinary citizens.

The incident has put the Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, under immense pressure. CM Shinde has assured swift action against the culprits and announced a full state honor for Siddique.

The Delhi Police Special Cell is sending a team to Mumbai to assist with the investigation, which is ongoing.

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