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Baba Siddique Murder Plot: 16th Suspect Arrested From Pune, Will Be in Police Custody Till Nov 9

November 6, 2024, 6:53 pm

Mumbai Crime Branch police have made another arrest in the ongoing investigation into the murder of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, officials reported on Wednesday. The suspect, identified as Gaurav Vilas Apune, age 32, was apprehended in Pune, Maharashtra, bringing the total number of arrests in this high-profile case to 16. Following his arrest, a court remanded him to police custody until November 9.

During the investigation, officials uncovered that Apune had met with other suspects to discuss and plan Siddique’s assassination. He was reportedly in contact with the group of shooters initially hired for the killing. Baba Siddique was shot dead by three assailants on October 12 near the office of his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique, located in Mumbai’s Nirmal Nagar.

The murder has been claimed by a gang led by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who allegedly orchestrated the assassination. Earlier, Mumbai Police confirmed that the firearms used in the crime had been sourced from Rajasthan.

The Mumbai Crime Branch has intensified its search for more suspects, deploying five teams outside Maharashtra and actively searching in Haryana. Among those sought is Zeeshan, who has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the murder.

In addition, Crime Branch officials recovered another weapon used in Baba Siddique’s murder from the Pune residence of suspect Rupesh Mohol, marking the fifth weapon recovered in the case. Authorities believe there were about six weapons brought into Mumbai as part of the assassination plot and are still searching for one more firearm and three live cartridges.

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Earlier, another weapon had been recovered from the Raigad residence of suspect Ram Fulchand Kanoujia, where he had been living on rent. Police also revealed that, upon examining the mobile phones of the shooters, images of pistols were found, further linking them to the crime.

Bihar Congress MP Pappu Yadav Says He Can Dismantle Lawrence Bishnoi’s Network Within 24 hrs If Permitted

October 28, 2024, 7:15 pm

Following the murder of Baba Siddique, allegedly orchestrated by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Bihar MP Pappu Yadav responded boldly, declaring that if given the opportunity, he could dismantle Bishnoi’s criminal network within 24 hours. “If the BJP-led government cannot protect influential leaders like Siddique, what hope is there for ordinary people?” Yadav said, expressing his dismay at the murder of “Bihar’s son, Baba Siddique.” He described the killing as a tragedy and condemned the gang’s impunity, calling Bishnoi “a two-bit criminal” and challenging the gang’s influence in a public tweet on October 13.

Days after this challenge, Yadav received an alleged death threat from someone claiming to represent the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. In the audio recording, the caller warned Yadav, saying, “You’re being watched closely, and if you don’t stay away from Salman Khan’s issues, there will be consequences.” This was a direct response to Yadav’s vocal support for the Bollywood actor, who has faced longstanding threats from Bishnoi’s network. The caller further alleged that Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in Sabarmati jail, has been using “Rs 1 lakh per hour” to bypass signal jammers, facilitating his communication with Yadav despite the prison’s restrictions. “You could have told ‘bhai’ [Bishnoi] that the media did this, not me. Settle the matter as soon as possible,” the caller added, urging Yadav to reconnect with Bishnoi’s associates and “resolve” their disputes.

Yadav, undeterred by the threat, took the matter to Bihar’s Director General of Police, requesting immediate action and later appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for heightened security measures. He cited the increasing threat to his life and sought an upgrade from his current ‘Y’ level security to ‘Z’ category. In response, Bihar’s police officials have begun assessing the situation, with the Purnia Superintendent of Police remarking that they are evaluating further measures to ensure Yadav’s safety amid this tense period.

Pappu Yadav’s challenge to the Bishnoi gang emerged shortly after the murder of Siddique, a former NCP leader with ties to Salman Khan, as some believe the gang targeted Siddique due to his association with the actor. During a press conference, Yadav expressed his support for Khan, adding that he had attempted to meet the actor during a recent visit to Mumbai but could only connect over the phone due to Khan’s filming schedule. “I want to assure him—‘Main hoon na’ [I am here for you],” Yadav tweeted, recounting their phone conversation. He described Khan as “fearless and brave,” committed to his “work and humanity,” which further strengthened Yadav’s resolve to stand against Bishnoi’s gang.

In addition to voicing support for Khan, Yadav met with Zeeshan Siddique, son of Baba Siddique, pledging solidarity and calling for justice for the family. “No one is above the law and the constitution,” Yadav stated, reiterating his commitment to the Siddique family and demanding swift action against those responsible for Baba Siddique’s death.

As police investigate the broader implications of the Bishnoi gang’s activities, sources suggest that Siddique’s murder could be part of a more extensive campaign by the gang to intimidate Khan, who has been targeted by the gang in the past due to old enmities. While Yadav’s open challenge has drawn public attention, it has also intensified his need for protection amid what appears to be a new chapter in a long-standing conflict between organized crime and public figures.

Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique Murder Case; New Evidence Reveals Pakistan’s Involvement

October 25, 2024, 8:35 pm

New revelations in the murder case of Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique have raised questions about the involvement of Pakistani drones in supplying firearms used in the killing. Initial investigations by the Mumbai police revealed that four firearms, not three as previously thought, were involved in the October 12 incident near Siddique’s son’s office in Bandra, Mumbai. The police are investigating whether these weapons entered India from Pakistan via drones, potentially through routes in Rajasthan or Punjab, where similar incidents have been reported in recent years. Maharashtra police have shared images of the recovered firearms with Rajasthan authorities to aid the investigation.

This high-profile case, involving Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang, has led to the arrest of 15 suspects, with three key suspects still evading capture. Police have identified Gurmail Baljit Singh from Haryana and Dharmaraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh as two of the shooters. Shivkumar Gautam, the main shooter, remains at large along with accomplices Shubham Lonkar and Mohammed Zeeshan Akhtar. According to police sources, Gautam and his associates practiced handling firearms by watching YouTube tutorials at a rented property in Mumbai. Gautam’s training included dry practice sessions due to limited access to live ammunition. This detail highlights the lengths the conspirators went to in preparing for the targeted attack on Siddique, a senior leader of the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party.

The plot to kill Siddique appears to have been well-coordinated. Accused Pravin Lonkar allegedly facilitated firearm supplies through connections with Bishnoi’s gang, while a scrap dealer, Harish Kumar Nisad, is accused of providing financial backing. The conspirators communicated through encrypted channels like Instagram and Snapchat to avoid surveillance, using Snapchat’s automatic deletion feature to hide evidence. Shubham Lonkar, associated with past arms smuggling activities, allegedly coordinated directly with Bishnoi’s gang through social media.

The Delhi Police Special Cell recently intensified efforts against the Bishnoi gang, arresting seven additional suspects who reportedly intended to carry out another assassination in Rajasthan. Known for operations across multiple states, Bishnoi’s gang has been linked to cases of homicide, arms trafficking, and extortion.

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Mumbai police are extending their investigations to understand the cross-border element of the case, especially the possibility of Pakistani involvement in supplying weapons. With three suspects on the run and arrests still underway, the case has raised alarm regarding the potential of transnational crime networks using drones for smuggling weapons into India, an issue of significant concern to national security agencies.

Karni Sena Offers Rs 1,11,11,111 Reward for Lawrence Bishnoi’s Encounter

October 22, 2024, 8:35 am

The Kshatriya Karni Sena has reportedly declared a reward for the encounter of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, whose gang recently claimed responsibility for the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai. In a video, Raj Shekhawat, the national president of the Kshatriya Karni Sena, allegedly announced a reward of ₹1,11,11,111 for any police officer who kills Bishnoi, as reported by Navbharat Times.

Reward for Bishnoi’s Encounter

Shekhawat stated that the amount will be given to any security personnel who conducts Bishnoi’s encounter to ensure public safety. He also criticized the Central government and the Gujarat administration for failing to address the ongoing criminal activities tied to Bishnoi’s gang.

Bishnoi’s Criminal Background

Lawrence Bishnoi is currently imprisoned in Gujarat’s Sabarmati jail on charges related to cross-border drug smuggling. He had previously been involved in a shooting incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence in April, but the Mumbai Police were unable to secure his custody.

Link to Karni Sena Chief’s Murder

In a video posted online, Shekhawat further accused Bishnoi of being responsible for the killing of “our precious gem and heritage Amar Shaheed Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi ji,” referring to Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, who was murdered by unknown assailants in December 2023 in Jaipur. Bishnoi’s gang had claimed responsibility for Gogamedi’s murder soon after the incident.

Bishnoi’s Nationwide Crime Network

Bishnoi’s gang remains active across India, not only claiming responsibility for Baba Siddique’s murder and the attack near Salman Khan’s home but also for the killing of Khalistani sympathizer Sukha Duneke in September 2023. His gang is also linked to shootings outside the homes of singers AP Dhillon and Gippy Garewal in Canada.

Connection to Salman Khan and Baba Siddique

Baba Siddique’s murder by Bishnoi’s gang reportedly stemmed from his alleged ties to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his close relationship with Salman Khan. Over the years, Salman Khan and his family have faced several death threats from Bishnoi’s gang, leading to heightened security for the actor, especially after Siddique’s murder.

Watch: Mumbai Cops Nab Baba Siddique Murder Accused Dharmaraj Kashyap In Dramatic Arrest

October 15, 2024, 3:40 pm

Amid the ongoing investigation into the murder of former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique, a new video has surfaced showing the moment one of the accused, Dharmaraj Kashyap, was apprehended by Mumbai police. The arrest took place shortly after the tragic incident, which occurred on Dussehra, October 12, when three gunmen fatally shot Siddique.

In the footage, Kashyap is seen surrendering to police officers in a park-like setting. As the officers approached, Kashyap raised his hands, signaling his willingness to surrender. He can allegedly be heard pleading, “Bhen**od, mujhe maar matt,” which translates to “Don’t hit me.” The police quickly moved to confiscate his phone and other belongings before taking him into custody. On the day of the incident, Kashyap was dressed in blue jeans and a green-and-white shirt.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

बाबा सिद्दिकी मर्डर मामले में एक और वीडियो सामने आया है, जिसमें दशहरा के दिन तीन शूटरों द्वारा की गई गोलीबारी के बाद पहले आरोपी की गिरफ्तारी की तस्वीरें हैं।

इस वीडियो में मुख्य आरोपी धर्मराज कश्यप को दिखाया गया है, जिसे मुंबई पुलिस ने सबसे पहले गिरफ्तार किया था। #BabaSiddiqui… pic.twitter.com/JacdhLjutm

— Prabhakar Kumar (@prabhakarjourno) October 15, 2024

Ossification Test Confirms Kashyap Is Not a Minor

A significant development in the case came on Monday, when an ossification test confirmed that Dharmaraj Kashyap was not a minor, refuting claims made by his lawyer. The test, which estimates a person’s age by examining bone development, was ordered by Mumbai’s Esplanade Court after Kashyap’s defense argued he was underage.

Following the confirmation, Kashyap was produced in court, where police custody was extended until October 21. Dharmaraj Kashyap, originally from Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, had been living in Pune for several years and is alleged to be connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal group. The investigation into the murder is ongoing, with further updates expected as the case unfolds.

Baba Siddique’s Fourth Killer Zeeshan Met Lawrence Bishnoi in Jail, Ran WhatsApp from a Foreign Number

October 15, 2024, 2:49 pm

Zeeshan Akhtar, the fourth suspect in Baba Siddiqui’s murder, is an associate of infamous gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. A resident of Jalandhar, Punjab, Zeeshan was assigned the task of eliminating Baba Siddiqui by Bishnoi while both were incarcerated in Patiala jail six months ago. Following their release, Zeeshan enlisted three shooters and meticulously planned the attack over four months. Gurmel, an old friend of Zeeshan from Kaithal, Haryana, was involved in the incident.

Criminal History

Zeeshan was previously arrested in 2022 for murder and extortion, during which he operated WhatsApp using a foreign number. With a maximum education up to the 10th grade, Zeeshan comes from a family of tile contractors, including his father, Muhammad Jameel. In 2021, close associate Vikram Brar demanded a ransom from Jalandhar’s drug mafia figure Rano. When Rano refused to comply, Brar dispatched Zeeshan and others to attack Rano’s residence on September 3, 2021, resulting in Zeeshan’s arrest.

Rising Criminal Activities

At just 21 years old, Zeeshan has been linked to over half a dozen serious crimes, including murder, robbery, and extortion. According to the Jalandhar police, Zeeshan’s criminal path began after an incident in which a young man working in his father’s shop stole a phone and sold it. When his father reprimanded him, Zeeshan retaliated by attacking his father’s assailant, tearing off his beard.

Seeking revenge for his father’s humiliation, Zeeshan immersed himself in a life of crime starting in 2019. During this period, he connected with Vikram Brar through social media and committed his first murder in Tarn Taran at Brar’s instigation. Zeeshan studied Arabic, Persian, and Urdu in a madrasa in Maharashtra for one and a half years before continuing his education in a madrasa in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. After another year and a half, he returned home, entered school, and eventually worked alongside his father in the tile business.

VIDEO| Baba Siddique Laid to Rest With Full State Honours

October 13, 2024, 11:45 pm

The last rites of former Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique were performed with full state honours at Bada Qabrastan in Mumbai on Sunday. Siddique was murdered on Saturday in Mumbai.

Watch:

#WATCH | Mumbai: State honour accorded to Baba Siddique at Bada Qabrastan.

He was murdered yesterday. pic.twitter.com/fFUJTQ81uc

— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2024

Several NCP leaders, including Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Ajit Pawar, attended the funeral at Bada Qabrastan to pay their respects.

The former Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader was shot outside his office in Nirmal Nagar. Siddique sustained two gunshot wounds to his chest and was rushed to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital for emergency treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday night.

Siddique was admitted to the hospital at around 9:30 pm. Despite resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived. Dr. Jalil Parkar, a physician at Lilavati Hospital, stated, “Around 9:30 pm, Baba Siddique was brought here. When he arrived in the emergency room, his pulse and blood pressure were unrecordable, and the ECG showed a flat line. We shifted him to the ICU.”

On Sunday, Mumbai police announced the arrest of another accused in the Baba Siddique murder case in Pune. The arrested individual, identified as 28-year-old Pravin Lonkar, is the brother of Shubham Lonkar, one of the conspirators involved in the plot. Mumbai police revealed that Shubham Lonkar, along with Pravin, had enlisted Dharmaraj Kashyap and Shivkumar Gautam in the scheme.

The Esplanade court in Mumbai has sent Gurmail Singh, another accused in the case, to Mumbai Crime Branch custody until October 21. The court also directed the authorities to present the second accused for another hearing following an ossification test.

The incident has created shockwaves across political and Bollywood circles.

On Saturday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Lilavati Hospital to meet Siddique’s family.

Several other prominent figures, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, senior police officials, Union Minister and RPI(A) chief Ramdas Athawale, and Parth Pawar, son of Ajit Pawar, also arrived at the hospital to offer condolences.

Chief Minister Shinde assured strict action against the perpetrators, promising that the government would not tolerate those who take the law into their hands.

Sanjay Nirupam, a Shiv Sena leader, expressed deep sorrow over Siddique’s death, calling it a “personal loss.” He said, “The incident is worrying and unfortunate. Baba Siddique was a very good person.”

Opposition parties have raised concerns about the law and order situation in Maharashtra.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the state government, calling Siddique’s murder a “failure of law and order.” Kharge said, “We openly said that the law and order situation is not fine there. Even though he said that his life was in danger, the police didn’t protect him. This is such a big lapse from the administration’s side. Police should always be on alert in a big city like Mumbai. This is the failure of law and order and intelligence. If the government doesn’t take care of such things, that means they are neglecting such incidents.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also criticised the Maharashtra government, pointing to the incident as evidence of the Chief Minister’s failure. “The death of Baba Siddique, who has worked for so long in Maharashtra, points towards the failure of the Chief Minister. Maharashtra has always had a good law and order situation, which is why big industries have come to Mumbai,” Raut said.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale called for severe punishment for the accused, stating that the loss was significant for the Mahayuti alliance. Athawale said, “Baba Siddique was a minority leader, but he was also attracted to the Dalit community. We had been friends for many years… We had never imagined something like this would happen. The murderers should be punished, and those behind this should also be arrested. This is a great loss for Mahayuti.”

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Siddique, who had been with the Congress for 35 years, had joined the NCP eight months ago.

Bollywood stars also visited Siddique’s residence to pay their last respects. On Sunday, actor Salman Khan arrived at Siddique’s home. His brother Sohail Khan and sister Arpita Khan Sharma also visited to express their condolences.

Other celebrities, including Zareen Khan, Raj Kundra, and Zaheer Iqbal, also arrived at Siddique’s residence in a show of support and to pay their final respects.

Fourth Accused From Jalandhar Identified in NCP Leader Baba Siddique’s Murder

October 13, 2024, 9:27 pm

In a major development in NCP leader Baba Siddique’s murder case, the fourth accused, Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar, has been identified, as per the Mumbai Police.

Siddique, a three-time MLA from the Bandra West Assembly, was shot dead last night in Mumbai. His son, Zeeshan Siddique, is the current MLA from Bandra East.

The murder was carried out by three shooters. One of them, Gurmel Singh, hails from the village of Narad in Haryana’s Kaithal district. The other two shooters are from Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh. Gurmel and another shooter, Dharmaraj, have already been arrested, while the third shooter, Shivkumar, remains at large.

Additionally, links to the murder case have surfaced in Jalandhar. Reports indicate that a fourth accused, identified as Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar from the village of Shakar in Nakodar, Punjab, was involved. According to the police, Akhtar was arrested by Jalandhar Rural Police in 2022 for organised crime, murder, and robbery.

It is believed that Akhtar was directing the three shooters from outside. He provided them with information about Siddique’s location at the time of the shooting, and he also assisted with logistical support, including arranging rental rooms.

Police sources from Punjab revealed that Akhtar had been imprisoned in Patiala Jail, where he reportedly connected with the Lawrence gang. He was released from jail on June 7 of this year and subsequently became involved with the gang.

The Mumbai Police announced on Sunday that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder, while the third one remains on the run.

The police indicated that they are exploring all potential angles in the murder case, including connections to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

“Yesterday, between 9-9.30 pm, ex-state minister Baba Siddique was shot outside his son’s office, under Nirmal Nagar police station. An offence has been registered and the investigation has been handed over to the Crime Branch. Two accused were detained on the spot… Two pistols and 28 rounds have been recovered… We have the custody of the accused till October 21. We are investigating the Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s role in the case,” DCP Crime Branch Datta Nalawade said.

“Mumbai Crime Branch recovered two pistols from both the accused. The accused had brought pepper spray. First, the accused were about to spray, and then they were about to fire, but the third accused, Shiv Kumar Gautam, started firing directly. Three constables were with Baba Siddique, and at the time of the incident, also three constables were there, but they could not do anything. One more person has been injured in this firing,” he added.

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The Mumbai Crime Branch has registered a case at Nirmal Nagar Police Station in connection with the murder under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, and Maharashtra Police Act.

The case has been registered at Nirmal Nagar Police Station under Crime Registration No. 589/2024, Sections 103(1), 109, 125, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3, 25, 5, and 27 of the Arms Act, and Section 37 and Section 137 of the Maharashtra Police Act.

Baba Siddique’s Murder: Sanjay Singh Slams Shinde, Links Bishnoi to Security Lapse

October 13, 2024, 6:06 pm

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.

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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.

Opposition Demands Fadnavis Quit Over Baba Siddique’s Killing

October 13, 2024, 5:53 pm

The political scene in Maharashtra erupted after the assassination of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai, with opposition leaders launching sharp attacks on the government. Siddique was shot dead on October 12, 2024, outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office during Dussehra celebrations. He sustained two bullet wounds to the chest and, despite emergency treatment at Lilavati Hospital, was declared dead late Saturday night.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar was scathing in his remarks: “If a ruling party’s leader can be shot dead, then the safety of common people has become a big question in Mumbai… Is Mumbai again becoming a crime hub? Is Maharashtra going in the direction of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar?” Wadettiwar did not hold back, demanding Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis take responsibility for the incident and resign: “The way crime rates have increased in Maharashtra, he should take responsibility”.

The Maharashtra government has come under intense scrutiny, with criticism extending beyond the Congress. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar described the murder as a “shameful” reflection of the state’s law and order. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey joined the call for accountability, stating: “If Devendra Fadnavis doesn’t resign, the governor must seek his resignation. If their own leaders aren’t safe, how will they protect the public?”.

In response, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured the public that the police were acting swiftly. “Two suspects involved in the killing have been arrested, and a third is on the run. Strict action will be taken, and nobody will be spared,” Shinde announced. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also expressed his condolences: “We lost a good colleague and friend. This case will be thoroughly investigated, and the mastermind behind the attack will be caught”.

Dr. Jalil Parkar from Lilavati Hospital recounted the efforts to save Siddique: “He was brought to the emergency room around 9:30 PM. His pulse and blood pressure were unrecordable, and the ECG showed a flat line. We shifted him to the ICU, but he was declared dead at 11:27 PM”. Cardiologist Dr. Nitin Gokhale confirmed that Siddique had sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest, adding that further details would emerge after the postmortem examination.

The murder has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape, raising questions about the state’s deteriorating law and order just weeks before the assembly elections. With political violence seemingly on the rise, the incident has put the government under pressure to restore public confidence.

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As the investigation unfolds, the police are exploring multiple angles, including business rivalry and contract killing. The opposition’s call for accountability—particularly targeting Chief Minister Shinde and Home Minister Fadnavis—signals heightened political tension in the lead-up to the elections, with law and order now a critical campaign issue.