NCP leader Baba Siddique shot dead in Mumbai's Bandra, two detained

The firing took place outside his MLA son Zeeshan Siddiqui's office near Colgate ground in Nirmal Nagar

NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique died in hospital after being shot by three men in Mumbai's Bandra East area on Saturday night, officials said.

Two persons were arrested immediately after the incident that took place outside his MLA son Zeeshan Siddiqui's office near Colgate ground in Nirmal Nagar, they added.

In a condolence message on X, deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar described the attack as extremely unfortunate and condemnable.

"I was shocked on learning that he died in this incident," Pawar said, adding that he had lost a good friend and colleague.

 

"We have lost a leader who fought for the minority community and championed secularism," he said, adding that a thorough probe would be conducted into the attack.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde earlier said Mumbai police commissioner Vivek Phansalkar had told him that two alleged shooters have been taken into custody.

One of them is from Uttar Pradesh and the other from Haryana, while a third accused fled from the spot, the CM told TV channels.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, arrived at Lilavati Hospital where Siddique was admitted.

Siddiqui, a three time-former MLA, had recently joined the NCP after quitting the Congress.

#WATCH | Baba Siddique firing | NCP(SCP) leader and National Spokesperson Clyde Crasto says, "The news about Baba Siddique is very disturbing. The concern here is that the law and order situation in Maharashtra is going really down and it has failed. The BJP led Mahayuti needs to… pic.twitter.com/Z75rUkTSEC

— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2024

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, "The incident of firing on NCP leader, former Minister of State, my colleague Baba Siddiqui who has been in the Legislature for a long time is very unfortunate, condemnable and painful. I was shocked to know that he died in this incident. I have lost my good colleague, and friend. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack. I offer my heartfelt tributes to Baba Siddiqui."


(More details awaited).