Baba Siddique, an Indian politician known for his connections to Bollywood stars, was shot dead in Mumbai just weeks before the upcoming state elections.
The 66-year-old politician was shot multiple times on Saturday evening outside his son’s office in the financial capital of India. Despite being rushed to Lilavati Hospital, officials reported that he could not be saved. Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting, while another assailant remains at large, according to India’s Press Trust news agency.
The suspects reportedly claimed affiliation with a criminal gang known for carrying out multiple murders in the past, as reported by NDTV.
Siddique, who had a long association with the Indian National Congress, switched to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) earlier this year. He served three consecutive terms as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, beginning in 1999, and held the position of minister during his political career.
Maharashtra is set to hold elections next month, and the NCP has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into Siddique’s murder. Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, announced that five investigative teams have been dispatched to various states to probe the case.
Reports suggest that a state funeral will be organized to honor him.
Credit: Sky News
