NCP leader Baba Siddique, who was shot dead in Mumbai on October 12, 2024. File | Photo credit: PTI

Baba Siddique of the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was shot dead in Mumbai’s Bandra district on Saturday (October 12, 2024) at 9:30 p.m. The shooting took place outside the office of his Bandra East MLA son Zeeshan Siddique in Neelamnagar.

“The police nabbed two people. One is from Haryana and the other is from Uttar Pradesh. “Police are conducting further investigation,” Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told presspersons.

Third defendant flees

Police are looking for a third suspect who fled after the shooting. They also check whether a gang is involved.

Baba Siddique with actors Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan during an Iftar party in Mumbai on July 21, 2013. | Photo credit: PTI

Mr Siddique was a former minister and three-time MP who was protected by Y security detail. He was famous for his glamorous Iftar parties attended by all the film stars. He was known to be close to some film stars. His son Zeeshan Siddique is an MLA from Bandra.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio, rushed to Lilavati Hospital where Mr Siddique was taken for admission. “The shooting incident occurred at 9:30 p.m. Our police teams tracked and apprehended the accused who opened fire. The police have arrested two people. We recovered a pistol. Further investigation is underway,” a senior police officer said. The injured were taken to hospital. Local media reported that Mr. Siddique recently received a threat.

As news of the death spread, large crowds gathered outside the hospital. Security in and around the area has been beefed up.

In a condolence message on X, Deputy Prime Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar described the attack as extremely unfortunate and condemnable. “I was shocked to learn that he died in this incident,” Mr Pawar said, adding that he had lost a good friend and colleague. We have lost a leader who fought for the minority community and championed secularism,” he said, adding that a thorough investigation would be carried out into the attack.

A crowd gathers outside Lilavati Hospital where NCP supremo Baba Siddique was admitted after he was shot by unidentified gunmen in Mumbai on October 12, 2024. | Photo credit: ANI

Maharashtra NCP (SP) chief Jayant Patil and other political leaders also expressed their condolences on the death of Mr Siddique.

“The news of the death of my old colleague Baba Siddique is very shocking. Baba Siddique and I also worked together in the cabinet. A moving tribute to him,” Mr Patil tweeted.

Senior NCP leader Praful Patel wrote on . My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”

While the government said the police were investigating the matter, the opposition criticized the government for the breakdown in law and order situation.

Baba Siddique with actor Salman Khan during the former’s Iftar party in Mumbai on June 24, 2017. | Photo credit: PTI

NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar demanded a thorough investigation after Siddique’s death. “The law and order situation in the state has collapsed and is a matter of concern. The shooting of former state minister Baba Siddique in Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, is unfortunate. If the Interior Minister and those in power clamp down on the state so gently, it can be an alarm signal for the common people. There is a need not only to investigate this but also to take responsibility and step down from the position of rulers. A heartfelt tribute to Baba Siddiqui. “Condolences go out to his family,” he posted on X.

Several Congress leaders also released messages expressing dismay over the deteriorating law and order situation.