The Highlights:
In a shocking turn of events, former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was brutally assassinated on 12th October 2024, outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra East, Mumbai. The murder sent shock waves through the country by raising serious questions regarding the law and order situation in Maharashtra when the assembly elections are looming on the horizon. The killing has not only devastated the Siddique family but also ignited a political storm with opposition leaders questioning the safety of public figures in the state.
The Tragic Event
Baba Siddique, a three-time MLA in the past and a key leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was shot dead by three gunmen outside his son’s office. The assailants fired six rounds, with three bullets fatally wounding the 66-year-old politician. According to the police, the killers were part of a pre-planned attack and had been tracking Siddique for months; they had received advanced payment in order to execute the hit.
Investigations suggest that the assassination could be linked to a series of property disputes and slum rehabilitation projects that Siddique had been involved in. The police are also probing the possibility of a contract killing orchestrated by the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has previously been associated with other high-profile murders.
Zeeshan Siddique’s Plea for Justice
Zeeshan Siddique, Baba Siddique’s son and a sitting Congress MLA, has taken to social media to demand justice for his slain father. In an emotional post, Zeeshan expressed his grief and frustration, stating, “My father lost his life protecting innocent people. Today, my family is broken, but we will not let his death be politicized.” He further emphasized the need for swift action, urging the authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
Zeeshan’s appeal for justice has been echoed by many citizens across the nation, advocating a rigorous investigation and stringent punishment for the culprits. Siddique family, famous in both politics and Bollywood circles, has gained many prominent voices by far; besides, several Bollywood stars, who were friends with Baba Siddique, have also supported them.
The Political Fallout
Baba Siddique’s assassination has sparked a political uproar, with opposition leaders using the incident to criticize the current Maharashtra government. Politicians from various parties have condemned the murder, with some accusing the ruling Mahayuti coalition of failing to maintain law and order in the state. The murder has also led to demands for the resignation of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
This political fall-out, however, has intensified further with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claiming responsibility for the murder through social media posts. The gang’s involvement has brought the state’s concerns regarding safety into sharp focus with many asking how a notorious criminal group could carry out such a high-profile killing in the heart of Mumbai.
A Well-Planned Assassination
As investigations unfold, more details have emerged about the assassination. According to police reports, the killers conducted extensive reconnaissance of Siddique’s movements, planning the attack meticulously. The weapons used in the assassination were delivered to the attackers just days before the murder.
Sources reveal that the killers were paid around ₹50,000 each to carry out the hit, with instructions allegedly coming from within a Patiala jail where members of the Bishnoi gang are imprisoned. Despite the arrests of several suspects, including Praveen Lonkar, the investigation is ongoing as police attempt to trace the mastermind behind the plot.
Maharashtra’s Law-and-Order Crisis
The killing of Baba Siddique has obviously brought to the forefront the debate over the law and order situation in Maharashtra. With assembly elections approaching soon, this high-profile murder has become a peg for the state’s growing insecurity situation. Opposing leaders have driven home the point over the government’s inability to safeguard its subjects and control gangsters.
The Siddique assassination is a stark reminder of growing organized crime in Maharashtra. The Bishnoi gang, who were involved in the murder, are already linked to the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022, which spotlights that deadly nexus between politics, crime, and Bollywood.
Conclusion: A Family’s Fight for Justice
As Zeeshan Siddique continues his fight for justice, the investigation into Baba Siddique’s murder is far from over. With multiple suspects still at large and the motives behind the assassination still being explored, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether justice is served.
For Zeeshan and his family, the road ahead is fraught with grief and uncertainty. However, their resolve remains strong. “My father gave everything for the people of Mumbai. We will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” Zeeshan declared. The Siddique family’s battle for justice has just begun, and it is one that has captured the nation’s attention.
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