Baba Siddique, NCP leader who was shot at in Mumbai, dies at Lilavati Hospital

Baba Siddique shot dead: Senior NCP leader Baba Siddique passed away during treatment after he was shot at by unidentified miscreants in the Bandra East area of Mumbai on Saturday evening (October 12), Lilavati Hospital said. He was immediately rushed to the hospital after being shot at, however, passed away during treatment, officials said.

As per sources, two people have been taken into police custody. He was reportedly shot at near the chest. The incident took place near his son Zeeshan Siddiqui's office, an MLA from Bandra East, near Colgate ground in Nirmal Nagar.

Unidentified people fired at and injured Baba Siddique of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in Mumbai's Bandra East on Saturday evening. "Two to three rounds were fired. Further probe is underway as teams have rushed to the area," the official said.

Siddiqui had recently joined the NCP from Congress. Sources said that the Special Cell of Delhi Police has also launched an investigation into the murder case of Siddique. The Counter Intelligence Unit of Delhi Police, which has previously collaborated with Mumbai Police on several major operations, has started the probe.

Who was Baba Siddique?

• Siddique, a three-time MLA from Bandra West, joined Ajit Pawar's NCP earlier in February this year after quitting with Congress. 
• Siddique was elected as an MLA from the Bandra West constituency in 1999, 2004 and 2009 and served as a minister of state for food and civil supplies, labour and FDA between 2004 and 2008. 
• The former MLA was known not just for his political acumen but also for hosting lavish parties. A cold war between superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan was resolved at an iftaar party hosted by Siddique in 2013.

Shiv Sena (UBT) demands Fadnavis' resignation over law and order

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey demanded the resignation of state Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the law and order state alleging that the criminals have no fear.

"If former MLAs are not safe in our city Mumbai, if leaders of the government are not safe then how will this government protect the common people? If they cannot keep their MLAs and former ministers safe then Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis should resign. He has no right to continue as the Home Minister. Eknath Shinde has no right to continue as the CM of the state. There is firing on the streets of Mumbai in broad daylight. Three rounds are being fired and people are being shot at... Is this law and order?... The criminals have no fear... The policies of the Mahayuti and BJP had maligned the politics..." he said.

BJP alleges 'conspiracy'

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya demanded the government to constitute a special team to investigate the killing and alleged "conspiracy" behind the murder.

"Baba Siddique's murder is a matter of concern. The government should make a special team and investigate this. It seems to be a huge conspiracy. Strict action should be taken..." he said.

BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain expressed condolences on the death of Siddique. "Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique. May the Almighty give his family the strength to bear this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them," he tweeted.

Ajit Pawar reacts

NCP chief Ajit Pawar reacted to the killing of his party leader and said that a thorough investigation will be conducted in the incident and the mastermind of the attack will also be nabbed.

"The incident of the shooting at Baba Siddique, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party, former Minister of State, and my colleague who served for a long time in the legislature, is extremely unfortunate, condemnable, and painful. I was shocked to hear about his death in this incident. I have lost a good colleague and a friend. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack. I offer my heartfelt condolences to Baba Siddique. A thorough investigation will be conducted into this incident, and strict action will be taken against the attackers. The mastermind behind the attack will also be found. With Baba Siddique's death, we have lost a good leader who fought for the minority communities and worked towards communal harmony. His demise is a great loss to the Nationalist Congress Party. I share the grief of Zeeshan Siddique, the Siddique family, and their supporters," he tweeted.

Sharad Pawar demands accountability

NCP SP chief Sharad Pawar demanded accountability from those in power and said that they should step down from their positions.

"The deteriorating law and order situation in the state is concerning. The shooting at former Minister of State Baba Siddique in the country's financial capital, Mumbai, is regrettable. If the Home Minister and those in power continue to govern the state with such leniency, it could spell danger for the common people. This matter not only requires an investigation, but those in power should also take responsibility and step down from their positions. I offer my heartfelt condolences to Baba Siddique and express sympathy for his family," he tweeted.

Praful Patel reacts

NCP leader Praful Patel condemned the killing and said that accused persons must not be spared.

"Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the demise of senior NCP leader Baba Siddique Ji. This cowardly and heinous crime must be strongly condemned, and those responsible should not be spared. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace," he tweeted.

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