A senior politician and former Minister for State, Baba Siddique, 66, was fatally shot in Mumbai, India, on Saturday, weeks before critical state elections. Siddique, a prominent lawmaker from Maharashtra, was shot multiple times outside his son’s office, according to local reports.
The police are investigating possible connections to a notorious crime gang, with two suspects already in custody. Reports suggest the suspects may have ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a criminal syndicate implicated in multiple killings. Authorities are continuing their search for a third suspect involved in the murder.
Read Also: AFCON Qualifiers: Libya Vs Nigeria – Date, Time And Where To Watch 2nd Leg Fixture
Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, condemned the killing, calling it a “cowardly attack.” He assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway, promising to track down the mastermind behind the crime.
The attack took place just weeks after Siddique’s security was beefed up following a series of death threats, adding tension ahead of the upcoming elections later this year. The killing has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political circles, drawing comparisons to the 2023 assassination of politician Atiq Ahmad, who was also killed in a high-profile attack.
Siddique, well-known for his ties with Bollywood stars and his political influence, leaves behind a legacy of public service and social prominence in the state.