Baba Siddique, a 66-year-old Indian politician, was tragically shot dead in Mumbai, the country’s commercial capital, on Saturday. The shooting occurred near his son’s office, and two suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing.
Siddique was a prominent figure in Maharashtra state politics, having served as a local minister. His defection from the Congress party to the National Congress Party (NCP) in February this year was seen as a significant move, especially with the state’s legislative polls just around the corner.
Reactions have been pouring in, with Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar condemning the attack as “cowardly” . Siddique was known for his extravagant parties and close ties to Bollywood stars, earning him a reputation as a charismatic figure.
The shooting has raised concerns about security lapses, particularly given the high-security measures in place for a major Hindu festival. Opposition parties have criticized the government, calling for a thorough investigation.
While two suspects are in custody, the motive behind the killing remains unclear. Police are searching for a third suspect, and some reports suggest that the arrested individuals claimed ties to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Bishnoi is currently serving time for his involvement in several high-profile murder cases.
In a disturbing twist, Siddique’s security had been upgraded just weeks prior due to death threats. The incident has sent shockwaves through the political community, with many leaders paying tribute to Siddique’s legacy.
Key Developments:
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Two suspects arrested: Gurmail Singh and Dharamraj Kashyap, aged 23 and 19, respectively
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Third suspect at large: Police are searching for an additional individual in connection with the killing
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Possible gang involvement: Suspects claimed ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang
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Security concerns: Opposition parties criticize government over security lapses
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Investigation ongoing: State government promises thorough inquiry