Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that slain NCP leader Baba Siddique will be laid to rest with full state honours. Siddique, who served as a minister in the Maharashtra government from 2004 to 2008 and as chairman of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), was shot dead in Bandra on Saturday evening.
In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said, “CM Eknath Shinde has instructed officials to arrange a funeral with full state honour for Baba Siddique in recognition of his public service.”
Baba Siddique Shot Dead in Mumbai; Two Assailants Arrested, Third Suspect at Large
According to police reports, Siddique was shot by three masked assailants outside the office of his MLA son, Zeeshan Siddique, near Colgate Ground in Nirmal Nagar, Bandra East.
The former minister was rushed to Lilavati Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Police confirmed that three rounds were fired, hitting Siddique in the chest.
Mumbai Police acted swiftly and arrested two of the three suspects involved in the attack—Karnail Singh from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh. Both have reportedly claimed to be members of the Bishnoi Gang. A third assailant is still on the run, and a manhunt is underway. Investigators revealed that the attackers had been conducting surveillance in the area for 25-30 days prior to the shooting.
The case has been handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further investigation. Authorities are also probing a possible connection to a real estate dispute, though the exact motive remains unclear.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed deep sorrow over Siddique’s death, condemning the assassination and promising strict action.
“This incident raises serious concerns about the law and order situation in the state,” he said.
Baba Siddique, a prominent Muslim leader in Mumbai, had served as a three-term MLA representing Bandra (West). He was well-known for his strong political influence and close connections with Bollywood celebrities.
The killing comes just weeks before Maharashtra is set to hold its assembly elections, sparking concern about political violence in the state.
This is the second major political assassination in 2024, following the killing of former Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar earlier this year.
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