Baba Siddique, a 66-year-old senior politician in Mumbai known for his close ties to Bollywood, was fatally shot on Saturday night, just weeks before a crucial state election in Maharashtra.
According to police, Siddique was shot multiple times outside his son’s office in Mumbai. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Siddique, a longtime member of the Indian National Congress party, had recently joined a regional party that currently governs Maharashtra state. He was widely recognized for his connections to Bollywood celebrities and for hosting extravagant parties.
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a member of Siddique’s political party, expressed shock at the killing. Pawar promised a thorough investigation, stating, “The incident will be thoroughly investigated and strict action will be taken against the attackers. The mastermind behind the attack will also be traced.”
The Press Trust of India reported that two suspected attackers have been arrested, with police searching for another. NDTV reported that the suspects claimed affiliation with a crime gang known for multiple previous killings.
This incident occurs in the lead-up to Maharashtra state elections, expected to be held in November. The murder of such a prominent political figure has sent shockwaves through Mumbai’s political and entertainment circles, potentially impacting the upcoming electoral landscape.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to uncover the motives behind the attack and its possible implications for the state’s political dynamics.
