The assassination of Baba Ziauddin Siddique

The political landscape in India is shaken to its core following the brazen assassination of influential politician Baba Ziauddin Siddique in Mumbai, echoing harrowing memories of past violence associated with the city’s underworld. On a Saturday evening, 66-year-old Siddique was shot multiple times while leaving his son’s office in the busy Bandra district. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries, prompting widespread outrage and fear among citizens and political figures alike.

Siddique, a prominent member of the coalition government in Maharashtra—home to India’s financial hub—was known for his dynamic political career and his opulent iftar parties. His unexpected murder has triggered a fierce political blame game, as various factions vie to determine responsibility and accountability.

Unraveling the Mystery: What Led to Siddique's Murder?

So far, the motive of Siddique's murder remains shrouded in mystery. However, law enforcement has arrested three suspects linked to a notorious criminal gang, believed to have orchestrated the attack while its leader remains incarcerated. This connection alludes to the dark past of Mumbai’s criminal underbelly, reminiscent of the 1990s, when political figures and Bollywood celebrities were routinely targeted by gang violence.

Witness reports indicate that three gunmen fired six or seven rounds, hitting Siddique in critical areas such as the abdomen and chest, while a bystander was also injured in the chaos. To evade police, the assailants reportedly deployed a firecracker to distract Siddique's three security guards, whose protecting measures—recently upgraded—were unable to prevent the assassination.

Who Was Baba Siddique? From Humble Beginnings to Political Fame

Baba Siddique’s life story is one of resilience and rise. Originally from Bihar, Siddique moved to Mumbai as a child. He began his political journey in the 1980s as a student leader with the Congress party and quickly ascended the ranks to hold significant positions, including three terms as a legislator and serving as a minister in 2004.

In an apparent strategic move this year, Siddique shifted allegiance from the Congress party to the Nationalist Congress Party, further strengthening his political footprint in the Maharashtra government, alongside the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena.

Beyond politics, he made headlines for his extravagant iftar parties attended by A-list Bollywood stars, including a famous public reconciliation moment celebrated by Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan in 2013. Such events turned Siddique into a notable figure in Mumbai’s social scene, intertwining entertainment with politics.

Current Investigation: Is the Bishnoi Gang Behind It?

The police investigation is already making significant strides, with authorities investigating reports that point to the involvement of the infamous Bishnoi gang. The gang is notorious for its violent tactics and is linked to high-profile cases, including the murder of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moosewala in 2022.

Senior police officials have assembled 15 teams to pursue leads, aiming to identify those who aided in the logistical planning of the assassination. Notably, a social media post purportedly by a gang member shortly after the murder claimed responsibility for Siddique's killing, although police have yet to verify its authenticity.

Recent patterns of violence involving the Bishnoi gang have raised concerns about the group's reach and operations from prison, as its leader frequently garners attention despite being locked away. Many speculate on how the gang maintains its influence, fueling debates around organized crime and political safety in India.

As investigations continue, the country is left grappling with questions of security, and citizens await answers regarding the true motivations behind Siddique's tragic death. The reverberations of this incident are sure to echo throughout the political and social spheres of India, prompting both action and reflection in the face of such shocking violence.