Baba Siddique, one of Maharashtra’s prominent politicians and a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has been shot dead in Mumbai’s Bandra area. The incident occurred on Vijaya Dashami, a significant Hindu festival, around 9:15 pm to 9:20 pm outside his son Zeeshan’s office in Bandra East.
Siddique, who was 65, was attacked by three unidentified assailants with their faces covered by handkerchiefs. They emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on him, hitting him multiple times in the stomach and chest. Bystanders rushed him to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that two attackers have been arrested, one from Uttar Pradesh and the other from Haryana, while a third assailant is still at large. The police are actively working to apprehend the absconding suspect.
Baba Siddique was a key figure in Maharashtra politics, having served as a minister in the Congress-undivided NCP government in the early 2000s. He was a three-time MLA from the Bandra West assembly constituency and had recently joined the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP in February this year after leaving the Congress.
Siddique was also known for his socialite image, particularly for hosting grand iftar parties that brought together political leaders, Bollywood celebrities, and business figures. His 2013 iftar party was notable for ending the five-year-long feud between Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with several opposition leaders questioning the law and order situation in Mumbai. Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar described the attack as “extremely unfortunate and condemnable,” while other leaders expressed shock and offered condolences to Siddique’s family.
