Congress MLA from Bandra East, Zeeshan Siddique had a narrow escape from death as his father and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot dead on Saturday night outside their office in Mumbai's Kherwadi area.
At around 9 pm on Saturday, both were about to leave for home from their office when Zeeshan got a phone call. He left the office first and Baba Siddique followed five minutes later when he was fatally shot by unidentified assailants.
Zeeshan Siddique has been given 'Y' category security while his father had no such security cover. About 15 days ago, Zeeshan received a threat after which his security was upgraded to the 'Y' category.
At the time the assailants opened fire at Baba Siddique, Zeeshan had already moved ahead making him narrowly escape the attack.
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According to the Mumbai police, a 9.9 mm pistol was used in the firing and two people were arrested in connection with the matter while a manhunt is underway to nab the third assailant. The two accused belong to Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, said Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, assuring action in the matter.
The Opposition slammed the Mahayuti government over the situation of law and order in the state. "If former MLAs are not safe in our city Mumbai, if leaders of the government are not safe then how will this government protect the common people," asked Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey.
NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar expressed his concern over the deteriorating law and order situation. It was also alarming that the situation was being handled so lightly, Pawar said as he targeted Home Minister Fadnavis.
The senior Pawar said that the ruling party should take responsibility and quit.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said the murder was shocking. "This, sadly, reflects on the law and order situation in Maharashtra. The complete collapse of administration, law and order," he said.