Baba Siddique Murder: A Loud Explosion Took Place Before Former Minister Was Shot Dead —  Details

Siddique had received a threatening message weeks prior, prompting increased security.

NCP leader Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his office on Saturday night.

Source : PTI

Nationalist Congress Party's senior leader from Ajit Pawar camp, Baba Siddique was with his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique at their office in Mumbai's Kherwadi area when senior Siddique was fatally shot by unidentified assailants on Saturday night. 

At around 9:30 p.m., they were preparing to go home together when Zeeshan received a phone call and left the office early. Five minutes later, Baba came out of the office while meeting with party workers. 

He was supposed to get into his car, which was parked just 100 metres from the office when a loud explosion took place. Initially, the workers thought the explosion was firecrackers being burst on the occasion of the Durgamata festival. 

But soon there was a huge commotion as people realised that there was no idol of any goddess in sight and the explosion had created a thick blanket of smoke leaving people coughing. Amid all the confusion some gunshots were heard and as soon as the workers reached Baba's car, they saw three people fleeing the spot while the former minister was lying in a pool of blood. 

He was rushed to Lilawati Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Two people have been arrested so far in connection with the case and a manhunt is on to nab the third shooter. 

The former MLA was shot twice in the chest and according to Mumbai police sources, his death was caused by a gunshot wound. 

Notably, Siddique had received a threatening message/letter about two weeks ago after which the police had ramped up his security. 

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed the media after the incident and informed that the two accused arrested are from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. He assured action in the matter, and said, "We have given instructions to Mumbai Police that strict action should be taken against those who take law and order into their hands."