In a shocking incident today in Mumbai, Indian state legislator and former minister Baba Siddique was fatally shot. This attack comes just weeks ahead of a crucial state assembly election scheduled for next month. Local police have reported the arrest of two suspects and are launching an investigation into the criminal gang believed to be behind the attack.
According to reports from various Indian media outlets, Siddique, 66, who served as a legislator for Maharashtra, was ambushed outside his son’s office where he was shot multiple times in the chest.
Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a fellow member of Siddique’s political party, expressed his distress over what he labeled a “cowardly attack.” In a statement, he vowed that the incident would be thoroughly investigated and that severe action would be taken against the perpetrators, as well as an investigation into the masterminds behind the attack.
The Hindustan Times noted that police have already arrested two suspects and are actively searching for a third.
Further details from NDTV indicate that the two apprehended suspects claim to be affiliated with the gang led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated and facing charges related to organized crime and multiple murders.
Interestingly, this shooting follows a series of death threats received by Siddique weeks prior, prompting him to enhance his security measures.
Siddique was known for his close relationships with several Bollywood stars and gained fame for hosting extravagant parties.