Mumbai, India – The political landscape in Maharashtra is reeling from the murder of former state minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, Baba Siddique, who was fatally shot by three assailants in Mumbai on a bustling Saturday evening. This high-profile assassination has triggered intense debates over the state’s law and order situation, drawing critical attention from various political quarters.
Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder, identifying them as Gurmail Singh, 23, from Haryana, and Dharamraj Kashyap, 19, from Uttar Pradesh. Mumbai Police revealed that the accused had been residing in the city for between one and a half to two months, during which they conducted reconnaissance of Siddique’s residence and office premises.
The case took a more complex turn after a report surfaced indicating the involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, known for their criminal activities across northern India. The gang allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack, although police have yet to officially confirm their involvement.
The incident has provoked an outcry from several political leaders. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also oversees the home department, have been actively coordinating the investigation and subsequent legal actions. Fadnavis visited Lilavati Hospital shortly after the incident, while NCP President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar described the murder as “unfortunate, condemnable, and painful,” expressing shock over the incident.
The murder has spurred criticism of the current administration’s ability to maintain law and order. Several politicians, including Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray and spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi, have labeled the situation as a “complete collapse of administration” in Maharashtra.
Amid heavy security, Baba Siddique was laid to rest with full state honors at Bada Qabrastan in Mumbai. The funeral was attended by many dignitaries, including prominent leaders from the NCP such as Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Ajit Pawar.
Investigations continue as authorities seek the third assailant involved in the murder. The police have ramped up their efforts by forming 15 teams within the Mumbai Crime Branch, which have been tirelessly working to piece together the sequence of events leading up to Siddique’s death.
The murder has not only plunged Maharashtra into a state of heightened security and vigilance but also prompted urgent calls for a reevaluation of the security measures in place for public figures. Analysts suggest that the incident could have wider implications for political stability in the region, potentially influencing upcoming electoral campaigns and the general political climate.
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Maharashtra watch anxiously, hoping for justice and a swift response to what many see as a glaring indication of the challenges facing the state’s governance. The murder of Baba Siddique has undoubtedly marked a grim chapter in Maharashtra’s political history, leaving a void and many unanswered questions amidst the ongoing quest for peace and order.