Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated on Sunday that investigations into the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique are progressing rapidly, with five teams deployed across different states to track down those responsible. He expressed confidence that the mastermind behind the murder would be identified within the next two to three days.
Speaking to the media after visiting Cooper Hospital, where Siddique’s body was transferred for a post-mortem, Pawar shared his disbelief over the tragic incident. “I cannot believe what happened yesterday in Mumbai. Baba Siddique was one of our senior leaders, a three-time MLA who also served as a minister. The police have moved swiftly in their investigation, arresting two suspects so far,” he said.
Pawar added that the Chief Minister, Home Minister, and himself were closely monitoring the situation. “We are working diligently to uncover who ordered the hit and who is behind this. I am confident that in 2-3 days, the truth will come out,” he assured.
The Deputy CM also confirmed that Siddique’s funeral would take place at 8:30 PM at Bada Qabrastan, Mumbai, with full state honors. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde earlier announced this, recognizing Siddique’s service as a minister between 2004-2008 and as the chairman of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).
Pawar also addressed the opposition’s criticism, saying, “The opposition will always have something to say, but our focus is on maintaining law and order. The Chief Minister has assured a thorough investigation, and we are committed to finding those behind this.”
The Mumbai Crime Branch has registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, and the Maharashtra Police Act at Nirmal Nagar Police Station. The investigation continues as police hunt for a third suspect, believed to be involved in the fatal shooting of Siddique near his son’s office in Bandra.
