Former Maharashtra minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Ziauddin Siddique was shot dead near his office in Mumbai on Saturday evening. The 66-year-old politician was attacked by three men, who fired multiple shots, hitting him in the stomach and chest. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The incident occurred around 9:30 pm near Ram Mandir, close to Siddique’s office. Eyewitnesses reported that Siddique was lighting firecrackers for Dussehra celebrations when three assailants, their faces concealed with handkerchiefs, stepped out of a vehicle and opened fire with a 9.9mm pistol. One bullet struck Siddique in the chest, causing him to collapse.
Local bystanders immediately transported Siddique to the hospital, but despite the medical team’s efforts, he was pronounced dead.
Mumbai police have arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting, one from Uttar Pradesh and the other from Haryana, while a third suspect remains on the run. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to capture the remaining individual. India Today reported that a photo of one of the arrested suspects has been obtained, though the identity of the third person is still unknown.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the attack, vowing swift action against the perpetrators. “Two accused have been arrested, and one suspect is still at large. No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” Shinde said, instructing the Mumbai police to conduct a thorough investigation.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who cancelled all his engagements following the incident, expressed deep grief over the loss of his colleague. “I lost a valued colleague and a good friend,” Pawar said. “The attack will be thoroughly investigated, and strict measures will be taken against those responsible. The mastermind behind the attack will be found. With Baba Siddique’s passing, we have lost a leader who tirelessly fought for minority rights and promoted religious harmony.”
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited Lilavati Hospital to offer his condolences, and the police investigation to locate the third suspect is ongoing.
