Sun Oct 13 19:01:35 UTC 2024: ## NCP Leader Baba Siddique Shot Dead in Mumbai, Bishnoi Gang Claims Responsibility

**Mumbai:** Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister, Baba Siddique, was shot dead by three assailants in Mumbai’s Bandra East area on Saturday night. The high-profile murder has sent shockwaves through the city and raised concerns about law and order ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Police have arrested two of the alleged assailants, identified as Gurmail Baljit Singh (23) from Haryana and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap (19) from Uttar Pradesh. The third suspect is still on the run.

Initial investigations suggest a pre-planned attack with the assailants paid Rs 50,000 each in advance. A 9.9mm pistol recovered from the crime scene was allegedly delivered to them days before the attack.

A viral social media post by an alleged member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the murder, citing Siddique’s alleged ties with Bollywood actor Salman Khan and underworld figures. The post also threatened further action against anyone supporting Salman Khan or the Dawood gang. Police are investigating the authenticity of the post.

Siddique, a prominent Muslim leader and well-known figure in Bollywood circles, served as a Maharashtra cabinet minister and MLA for three consecutive terms. He was known for his annual iftar parties, which drew prominent figures from the film industry.

He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital after the shooting, but succumbed to his injuries despite multiple attempts to revive him.

CM Eknath Shinde has announced a full state funeral for Siddique.

The Mumbai Police have stepped up security around Salman Khan’s residence in light of the threats from the Bishnoi gang.

This incident comes months after an assassination attempt on Salman Khan, which was also allegedly linked to the Bishnoi gang.

Police are investigating the murder from various angles, including possible contract killing, business rivalry, and threats related to a slum rehabilitation project.

**The incident has sparked political outrage, with opposition parties demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.**

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