Indian politician Baba Siddique, a prominent figure in Mumbai with deep connections to Bollywood, was shot dead on Saturday night, just weeks before crucial state elections in Maharashtra. Siddique, 66, was gunned down outside his son's office in Mumbai, a move that has sent shockwaves through both the political and entertainment spheres of India's financial capital.
Siddique, a seasoned politician, was known for his long-standing affiliation with the Indian National Congress party. However, in February of this year, he defected to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a regional force aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra. He had been actively involved in the state's political landscape for decades, holding ministerial positions and fostering strong relationships within Bollywood, hosting opulent parties that drew in some of India's biggest film stars.
The politician's murder occurred amid heightened security measures due to a major Hindu festival in Mumbai. Siddique was rushed to Lilavati Hospital after being shot multiple times, but he succumbed to his injuries soon after. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, expressed shock over the assassination and vowed that the culprits would be brought to justice. "The incident will be thoroughly investigated and strict action will be taken against the attackers. The mastermind behind the attack will also be traced," Pawar said in a public statement.
The Mumbai police have already arrested two suspects in connection with the murder and are searching for a third. According to local news reports, the arrested individuals claimed to be members of a criminal gang known for multiple assassinations. Indian media outlets, including NDTV and Press Trust of India, reported that the suspects claimed allegiance to a gang run by Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster who is currently serving a prison sentence for his role in several high-profile murders, including the killing of rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022.
While the investigation is still in its early stages, the exact motive for the assassination remains unclear. However, security concerns had already been raised around Siddique. Just weeks before the shooting, his security detail had been increased following death threats. The timing of the assassination has raised significant concerns, with elections in Maharashtra expected to take place in November.
Political analysts are speculating that the murder could have broader implications for the upcoming elections, as Siddique was seen as a key player in Maharashtra's shifting political landscape. Opposition parties have been quick to criticize the ruling government for what they are calling a "major security lapse," especially given the high-profile nature of Siddique's connections and the prior threats against him. The state government has responded by promising a full investigation into the incident and to address the security failures that allowed the assassination to occur.
