Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister and member of the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, wished Dushhera to everyone in his last post on social media hours before he was shot dead in Mumbai. "Happy #Dussehra Everyone!!! May this Dussehra bring you all happiness, peace and prosperity," Siddique wrote on X.
On Saturday, shooters fired six bullets near the office of Siddique's son Zeeshan around 9.30 pm. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Two people related to the firing have been arrested. Siddique received a threatening message about two weeks ago and police security was increased. However, he did not have any category of security.
With his death, two leaders of the NCP have been killed in a week including Sachin Kurmi from Byculla ahead of the Maharashtra elections.
2 Accused Arrested
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde informed that two accused have been arrested and they are from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, while a manhunt was underway to arrest a third assailant. He said he had spoken to police and doctors at the hospital.
"The incident is extremely unfortunate. There are reports that he (Mr Siddique) has died. Two people have been arrested, one from Uttar Pradesh and one from Haryana, while another is on the run. I have asked the police to take strict action and ensure no one takes law and order into their hands. A gang-war-like situation should not be allowed to resurface in Mumbai," he said.
Maharashtra Home Minister and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and senior police officials reached Lilavati Hospital following the incident. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar wrote on X that he was shocked to know about Mr Siddique's death and that he had lost a good colleague and friend.