MUMBAI – Senior Indian politician Baba Siddique, 66, was shot dead in Mumbai on Thursday, just weeks before key state elections. The former Maharashtra state minister was gunned down outside his son’s office, with police investigating the involvement of a notorious crime gang in the killing.
Indian media reported that Siddique, a prominent figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape, was shot multiple times in the chest. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, from Siddique’s political party, expressed shock and condemned the “cowardly attack.”
Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting and are on the lookout for a third. Indian broadcaster NDTV reported that the arrested suspects claimed ties to the gang run by Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious criminal currently in jail, accused of running an organized crime syndicate responsible for multiple killings.
The incident follows recent death threats against Siddique, which had led to an upgrade in his security detail. The timing of the attack, just weeks before the upcoming Maharashtra state elections, has raised concerns.
“The incident will be thoroughly investigated, and strict action will be taken against the attackers,” said Pawar in a statement. “The mastermind behind this attack will be traced and brought to justice.” Siddique was known for his connections with Bollywood stars and his grand social events. His death has sent shockwaves through the political and social circles of Maharashtra.