Baba Siddique, a well-known Indian politician, was shot and killed in a busy part of Mumbai, shocking the nation. He was 66 years old and part of the government in Maharashtra state, where Mumbai is located.
Siddique was shot on Saturday night near his car as he was leaving his son’s office, and he died later in the hospital. His murder has sparked a political blame game, reminding many of the violence against politicians in the 1990s when Mumbai’s underworld was active .
Authorities have arrested three men believed to be connected to a dangerous gang, and the investigation is ongoing. Although the motive behind Siddique’s killing is unclear, it has raised serious concerns about safety and security for politicians in India .
Siddique, who was born in Bihar and moved to Mumbai as a child, began his political journey in the 1980s as a student leader. He became a prominent figure in local politics and was elected to the state legislature three times, serving as a minister from 2004 for four years.
Earlier this year, he switched from the Congress party to the Nationalist Congress Party, which is part of the current ruling coalition .
Siddique was known for hosting lavish iftar parties during Ramadan that were popular among Bollywood celebrities.
One memorable moment occurred in 2013 when famous actors Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan reconciled at his event, making it a significant social occasion in Mumbai .
On the night of his murder, Siddique was shot multiple times by three attackers who fled the scene. Despite having police guards, the shooters reportedly used a smoke firecracker to distract them. This incident is notable because it is the first major assassination of a politician in Mumbai in years .
Police have since linked the arrested men to the Bishnoi gang, whose leader is in prison. A person claiming to be a member of this gang even posted on social media, taking responsibility for the murder, although police have not confirmed this information .
Siddique had received death threats before his assassination, leading to an increase in his security.
His death has put pressure on the Maharashtra government, with political leaders calling it a failure of law enforcement.
The Chief Minister has promised that those responsible will face justice, regardless of their affiliations .
The killing of Baba Siddique raises serious concerns about political safety in India and highlights the ongoing influence of criminal gangs in society, a topic that needs urgent attention.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by politicians, especially in areas known for crime .
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70wypz8168o