Details of the Attack
The shocking incident occurred around 9 PM as Baba Siddique was participating in Dussehra festivities outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office. He was bursting firecrackers with friends when three gunmen pulled up in a vehicle and opened fire. Six shots were fired from a 9.9mm pistol, with four bullets striking Siddique in the stomach and chest. Despite immediate efforts to save him, Siddique succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rushed to Lilavati Hospital.
Ongoing Investigation and Arrests
Mumbai Police swiftly moved into action, detaining two suspects linked to the shooting. One of the arrested individuals is from Uttar Pradesh, and the other from Haryana, while the third suspect remains on the run. There are strong suspicions of a connection to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, especially considering Siddique’s known association with Bollywood star Salman Khan, who has been a target of threats from the gang.
Political Fallout and Public Safety Concerns
The assassination has sent ripples through Maharashtra’s political sphere, with opposition leaders demanding accountability from the state government over the apparent breakdown of law and order in Mumbai. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the act and assured the public that the perpetrators would be brought to justice, while Deputy CM and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited the hospital to express his condolences and oversee the investigation.
Many have likened this brutal attack to the darker days of the 1990s when the Mumbai underworld had a stronghold over the city. Opposition leader Sharad Pawar strongly criticized the government, calling for a reevaluation of the city’s security apparatus, especially considering that Siddique had recently received “Y-category” security due to threats against him.
Baba Siddique: A Storied Political Career
Baba Siddique was a respected figure in Mumbai’s political circles, serving three terms as an MLA from Bandra West. His decision earlier this year to join Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP marked the end of a long and storied career with the Congress party.
Apart from his political work, Siddique was well-known for hosting high-profile Iftar parties, which became star-studded events attended by Bollywood’s elite, including Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. His 2013 Iftar party, where the two actors famously reconciled, was one of the most talked-about events in Bollywood.
In recent weeks, Siddique had reportedly received death threats, prompting authorities to bolster his security. However, despite these precautions, his attackers managed to carry out the deadly plot.
Return of the Underworld?
This violent killing has brought back memories of the period when the Mumbai underworld cast a shadow over the city. In the 1980s and 1990s, infamous criminals like Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Rajan, and others wielded significant power, engaging in extortion, contract killings, and organized crime. While major crackdowns in the 1990s restored some sense of order, the recent attack suggests that Mumbai might be witnessing a resurgence of similar criminal networks.
The possibility of a gang-related contract killing cannot be ruled out, and with mounting evidence pointing toward organized crime involvement, citizens are once again questioning whether the city is slipping back into an era of lawlessness.
Moving Forward
As police continue to investigate this heinous act, the spotlight is now firmly on the state government and its ability to maintain control. In a city as densely populated and economically vital as Mumbai, restoring public confidence in law enforcement is crucial. The coming days will be critical in determining whether Mumbai’s security agencies can thwart further acts of violence and prevent the re-emergence of organized crime.