Former Maharashtra Minister and senior leader of Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Baba Siddique was shot dead in Bandra East, Mumbai, on Saturday evening.
How and When the firing took place?
The NCP leader was present at his MLA son Zeeshan Siddiqui’s office near Colgate ground in Nirmal Nagar in Bandra (East). He left the office premises around 9:30 pm. Three men, who have covered their faces with handkerchief, got down from their car and shot three rounds of fire at Siddique amid bursting crackers outside the office.
The grievously injured Siddique fall down after being shot in chest. He was immediately taken to Lilavati Hospital, where he died shortly after arrival. A 9.9 mm pistol was used in the shooting, suggesting a contract killing, according to a source.
#WATCH | Mumbai: Visuals from the spot where NCP leader Baba Siddiqui was shot late evening, yesterday.
He was shifted to Lilavati Hospital where he succumbed to bullet injuries. Two people related to the firing of NCP leader Baba Siddique have been taken into custody and… pic.twitter.com/6d6xcvVbMg
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2024
The politician, who pulled a big switcheroo in February this year by ending his four-decade long ties with the Congress and joined the Ajit Pawar led NCP, had received a death threat just 15 days ago and was under ‘Y’ category security.
2 Suspects Held, 5 Teams Formed:
Police authorities confirmed that two suspects were arrested immediately after the incident. One of them is from Uttar Pradesh and the other from Haryana, while a third accused fled from the spot. The police have formed five teams to investigate the murder case. Sources within the Mumbai police stated that they will also examine the Bishnoi angle as part of the inquiry.
#WATCH | Baba Siddique firing | Additional CP Paramjit Singh Dahiya says, “Around 9:30 pm this incident happened in Nirmal Nagar. Baba Siddique was admitted to Lilavati Hospital after this incident. Police have arrested two accused. Crime Branch Mumbai is investigating the entire… pic.twitter.com/FtbTil7Iko
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2024
The firing took place on Dussehra and came ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, which are expected to be held later this year.