CITIZENS COMPASS–Mumbai, India’s financial hub, was rocked by the assassination of former minister, Baba Siddique, 66, just weeks ahead of crucial state elections.
Siddique, a former Maharashtra state minister and well-known local lawmaker, was gunned down on Saturday outside his son’s office, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, according to reports from Indian media.
The shocking murder has sent waves through political and social circles, with police now investigating possible links to a notorious crime gang. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, who shares the same political party as Siddique, condemned the “cowardly attack” and vowed swift justice.
“An investigation is underway, and we will ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law. The mastermind behind this heinous crime will be brought to justice,” Pawar said in a statement.
“An investigation is underway, and we will ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law. The mastermind behind this heinous crime will be brought to justice,” Pawar said in a statement.
Authorities in India have arrested two suspects in connection with the killing of the former minister , with efforts ongoing to locate a third individual still at large. Broadcaster NDTV reported that the apprehended suspects claimed ties to the notorious gang led by Lawrence Bishnoi, a criminal kingpin currently behind bars and accused of orchestrating numerous killings across India.
The assassination occurred despite Siddique’s security being recently upgraded following a series of death threats. The timing of the attack—just weeks before state elections—has raised concerns about potential political motivations.
Siddique, a larger-than-life figure known for his strong connections to Bollywood celebrities and his lavish social gatherings, was a prominent force in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
The murder also echoes another high-profile political assassination in 2023, when politician Atiq Ahmad was killed on live television in Uttar Pradesh. Ahmad, who faced over 100 criminal cases, was shot alongside his brother, Ashraf, while being escorted by police. Days earlier, Ahmad’s son, Asad, was killed by police in what many saw as an extrajudicial killing.
As the investigation into the former minister’s murder intensifies, authorities are under pressure to not only apprehend those involved but also ensure the safety of political figures during the upcoming elections.
