Indian politician Baba Siddique, 66, was fatally shot in Mumbai, India’s commercial capital, in an attack that has sent shockwaves through the country. The former local minister, a senior figure in Maharashtra state politics, was attacked near his son’s office. Local media reported that two gunmen opened fire, killing Siddique. Two suspects have been arrested, and authorities are searching for a third suspect.
Siddique had recently defected from Congress, India’s main opposition party, and joined the regional National Congress Party (NCP), which is part of Maharashtra’s ruling coalition. Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, expressed shock over the “cowardly attack” on his party member.
The attack took place during a period of heightened security due to a major Hindu festival in the city, raising concerns about a potential security lapse. Opposition parties have criticized the government, calling for an investigation into the breach.
While the motive for the killing remains unclear, Indian media report that the suspects have links to a gang led by notorious criminal Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently serving a prison sentence for his involvement in high-profile murder cases, including the killing of rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022.
Siddique had received death threats recently, leading to an upgrade in his security detail. Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.
BBC
