Indian politician shot dead in Mumbai; crime gang under probe
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Mr Baba Siddique was shot multiple times in the chest outside his son’s office in Mumbai on Oct 12.
PHOTO: BABASIDDIQUEOFFICIAL/INSTAGRAM
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MUMBAI - A senior politician in India’s financial capital Mumbai was shot dead on Oct 12, weeks ahead of key state elections, with police probing the role of a notorious crime gang.
Mr Baba Siddique, a Nationalist Congress Party politician and former minister in Maharashtra state, was shot multiple times in the chest outside his son’s office in Mumbai, media reported.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, from the same party as Mr Siddique, said he was shocked by the “cowardly attack”.
The Hindustan Times newspaper reported that two suspected attackers had been arrested, and police were searching for another.
Broadcaster NDTV said the two suspects claimed they were part of a gang run by Lawrence Bishnoi, who is in jail accused of running a crime gang that has carried out multiple killings.
The shooting comes just weeks after Mr Siddique’s security detail was upgraded in the wake of death threats to the 66-year-old and ahead of elections slated for later in 2024.
“The incident will be thoroughly investigated, and strict action will be taken against the attackers,” Mr Pawar said in a statement. “The mastermind behind the attack will also be traced.”
Mr Siddique was close to several Bollywood stars and was known for throwing grand parties. AFP
