Baba Siddique’s Assassination in Mumbai
An Indian politician, Baba Siddique, was shot dead in Mumbai, India’s commercial capital. The shooting occurred near the office of his son, who is also involved in politics, as reported by local media. Siddique, aged 66, was a prominent figure in Maharashtra state politics. He had recently switched allegiance from Congress, India’s main opposition party, to the regional National Congress Party (NCP), which is part of the BJP-led coalition government.
Baba Siddique’s Assassination in Mumbai
Gunmen targeted Baba Siddique near his son’s office in Mumbai. Siddique was a former local minister and held a significant position in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Maharashtra is set to hold legislative elections next month, and Siddique’s assassination has sent shockwaves across the region.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The shooting took place despite high security in place for a major Hindu festival in the city. Authorities arrested two suspects connected to the killing, while the search for a third individual continues. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Some Indian media reported that the arrested suspects claimed affiliation with a gang run by notorious criminal Lawrence Bishnoi. Bishnoi is currently serving a jail sentence for his involvement in several high-profile murder cases, including the 2022 killing of Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, who belongs to the same party as Siddique, expressed his shock at the “cowardly attack.” Siddique was known for his extravagant parties and close ties with Bollywood superstars. Opposition parties criticized the state government, citing a significant lapse in security despite the heightened measures in place for the festival. The state government promised a thorough inquiry into the incident to address these concerns.
Investigation and Arrests
Authorities are continuing their investigation, and they are actively searching for a third suspect. The shooting came just weeks after Baba Siddique’s security detail was upgraded following death threats. The state government assured the public that officials would conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the motive and ensure justice for Siddique and his family.
Security Concerns and Public Outcry
The assassination of Baba Siddique has sparked widespread criticism of the state government for failing to provide adequate security. Many people are questioning how such an incident could happen despite the increased security measures due to the Hindu festival. Opposition leaders have demanded accountability and have called for stricter security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. Citizens have expressed their concerns on social media, urging the government to take stronger actions against criminal activities.
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