Tragic & threatening

Just weeks before Maharashtra assembly elections, the tragic assassination of Baba Siddique—a former Maharashtra minister and a three-time legislator—has heated up the political clime and sent shockwaves across the state. Siddique, who was gunned down outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office, was a prominent figure in Maharashtra's political and social circles. He was known for his deep connections within Bollywood. His death raises critical questions about the current state of law and order in Mumbai, a city that has historically struggled with gang violence.

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The assassination is reported to have occurred on the night of October 12, 2024, in Bandra's bustling Kher Nagar—a politically relevant location that represents the city's cosmopolitan spirit. It may be noted here that Siddique enjoyed high-profile political and social presence, and was provided Y-category security. That the culprits managed to break this shield of security reflects poorly on the law and order situation in the state—a charge that has been actively levelled by the opposition parties. Siddique's death, in itself, is a validation of this allegation. Two of the attackers were nabbed quickly by the police while the third fled from the crime scene, only to be caught later. Meanwhile, the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang—a criminal organisation previously involved in high-profile attacks, including an attempt on Bollywood star Salman Khan's life—has claimed responsibility for Siddique's killing. However, the police are still investigating the issue.