Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has expressed deep concern over the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, calling it an indication of the complete collapse of law and order in Maharashtra.
In a post on X, he stated, “The tragic demise of Baba Siddique ji is shocking and saddening. My thoughts are with his family in this difficult time.” He further emphasized, “This horrifying incident exposes the complete collapse of law and order in Maharashtra. The government must take responsibility, and justice must prevail.”
Baba Siddique was shot dead by three assailants in Mumbai’s Bandra area around 9:30PM on Saturday, just outside his son Zeeshan Siddiqui’s office. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have since arrested two of the suspects involved in the attack.
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The 66-year-old leader had served three terms representing the Bandra (West) constituency in the Assembly. In February, he switched allegiance from Congress to the NCP.
In response to the incident, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that the trial would be expedited in a fast-track court. He also appointed encounter specialist Daya Nayak to lead the investigation. Shinde urged the Mumbai Police to maintain law and order, warning against any attempts to revive gang warfare. “Strict action should be taken against those indulging in such incidents,” he added.
NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule condemned the violence, stating, “This is absolutely unacceptable. When a member of the ruling government alliance is unsafe and killed in his own son’s office in Mumbai, it speaks volumes about the state of law and order in Maharashtra.”
NCP Minister Chhagan Bhujbal echoed these sentiments, urging Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take immediate action in investigating the murders of both Baba Siddique and NCP’s Byculla Taluka President, Sachin Kurmi. He expressed shock at the news of Siddique’s death, labeling it “mind-numbing.” Bhujbal also highlighted the alarming nature of this incident, given that it follows closely on the heels of Kurmi’s murder.
Baba Siddique was a prominent leader in Mumbai, known for his political connections and lavish parties. He had close ties with several Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Sanjay Dutt.