The assassination of Baba Siddique, a leader from the NCP’s Ajit Pawar faction, has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra, prompting sharp criticism from political figures, including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh. Siddique was shot near Nirmal Nagar in Mumbai on October 12, 2024, and despite emergency care at Lilavati Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The incident has not only raised questions about the state’s security measures but also intensified political tensions ahead of the assembly elections.
Singh blamed the Shinde-led Maharashtra government for security lapses, noting that Siddique had been under Y-category security. “Whenever there is BJP in power, there are crimes, loot, murder, and dacoity,” Singh remarked. Drawing a grim comparison, he added, “Gang wars happen every day in Delhi, the national capital… The same situation is now spreading to Mumbai.” Singh further emphasized that the people of Maharashtra would hold the government accountable for such lapses and alluded to the possible involvement of criminal elements, including names like Bishnoi, in the assassination.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal expressed frustration with the handling of Siddique’s security, revealing that the police were aware of the threats he faced. “The duty of the police is not limited to merely giving security but to investigating where the threats are coming from,” Bhujbal stated. He urged the authorities to act swiftly, though he dismissed any political angle to the killing, suggesting the possibility of personal motives instead.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has registered the case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, and Maharashtra Police Act, with a focus on tracking down the third suspect involved in the murder. According to initial reports, two suspects—hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana—have already been apprehended, with police actively searching for the third.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde responded by ordering stringent action against the culprits, assuring the public that justice would be served. With law and order becoming a focal point in the political discourse, the murder of Siddique, who recently aligned with Ajit Pawar’s faction, has put the government under intense scrutiny. The incident has become a flashpoint, with opposition figures questioning the administration’s ability to maintain security, especially when high-profile leaders are not safe.
Also read: Opposition Demands Fadnavis Quit Over Baba Siddique’s Killing
As investigations continue, the murder has highlighted not only the resurgence of political violence but also the pressing need for accountability. With elections approaching, the incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate over governance and public safety in Maharashtra, forcing the ruling coalition to confront uncomfortable questions about its effectiveness.
