The murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique on October 12, 2024, has shocked the political landscape in Maharashtra and beyond. The brutal killing has raised questions about security, political responsibility, and the state’s deteriorating law and order. His son, Bandra East MLA Zeeshan Siddique, narrowly escaped death on the same night, and in his first public response, he expressed his grief and called for justice, urging that his father’s murder should not be politicized.
A Fatal Night: How the Tragedy Unfolded
Baba Siddique was fatally shot outside his office in Mumbai’s Kherwadi area. The incident occurred at approximately 9 PM when both Baba and Zeeshan Siddique were wrapping up for the day. Zeeshan Siddique had received a phone call and left the office just minutes before his father followed. It was during this short window that the assassins struck, using a 9.9 mm pistol to shoot Baba Siddique at point-blank range.
The assailants fled the scene, but police have arrested two individuals believed to be involved in the murder. These suspects, allegedly from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, are part of a larger network still under investigation. Authorities are still searching for the third assailant. The fact that such a prominent public figure could be killed so brazenly has led to questions about how secure politicians are in the state of Maharashtra.
Zeeshan Siddique’s Emotional Plea for Justice
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Zeeshan Siddique poured out his grief, writing, “My father lost his life protecting and saving the lives and homes of poor innocent people. Today, my family is broken but his death must not be politicized and definitely not go in vain. I NEED JUSTICE, MY FAMILY NEEDS JUSTICE!” His appeal, full of raw emotion, reflects the pain his family is going through, having lost not only a father and husband but a well-known community leader who worked tirelessly for the underprivileged.
Baba Siddique was known for his charitable work, and his death has affected not only his family but the countless individuals whose lives he touched. Zeeshan Siddique has made it clear that their priority is justice and that any attempt to politicize the tragedy would be an affront to his father’s legacy.
Political Turmoil and Reactions
Baba Siddique’s murder has stirred significant political debate. Opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP, have expressed concern over the increasing incidents of violence and the state government’s inability to maintain law and order. Aaditya Thackeray, a prominent leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), was one of the first to raise concerns about the collapse of governance. He termed the murder as a direct reflection of the worsening law and order in Maharashtra. Sharad Pawar, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), criticized the government for allowing such a heinous crime to happen, questioning the effectiveness of Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
In response, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured the public that strict action will be taken against those involved. He condemned the murder and stated that the police are doing everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, despite these assurances, there has been a wave of criticism, especially from the opposition, accusing the state government of failing to protect its own citizens, particularly political figures like Baba Siddique.
Security Concerns for Politicians
One of the critical questions arising from Baba Siddique’s murder is why he was not provided with the level of security that his son Zeeshan had. Just 15 days prior to the incident, Zeeshan Siddique had received a death threat, after which his security was upgraded to ‘Y’ category. However, Baba Siddique, despite his prominent political background, was not given similar protection. This security lapse has been a point of contention, with many calling for a review of how politicians, especially those in opposition or who have received threats, are safeguarded.
The Investigation: Progress and Challenges
While two suspects have been apprehended, the investigation into Baba Siddique’s murder is far from complete. The police are tracking down the third suspect, believed to be the mastermind behind the attack. They are also investigating whether the murder was politically motivated or carried out by a criminal network targeting Siddique for his role in helping poor communities.
The use of a 9.9 mm pistol and the professional manner in which the murder was carried out suggest that the killers were not amateurs. Given the political connections of the Siddique family, the police are leaving no stone unturned in exploring all angles, including possible links to political rivals or criminal elements.
Legacy of Baba Siddique
Baba Siddique’s contributions to society cannot be understated. He served as a minister in the Maharashtra government and was known for his deep commitment to social causes, particularly helping the underprivileged. Throughout his career, Siddique worked to uplift marginalized communities, often going beyond political lines to ensure that those in need were supported. His sudden and brutal death has left a void in his community, and many are mourning not just the loss of a politician, but the loss of a compassionate leader.
In the days following his death, tributes have poured in from various political figures, community leaders, and ordinary citizens who knew Baba Siddique personally. The overwhelming sentiment is that his legacy should live on through the work he championed, and his death should inspire greater efforts to ensure the safety of political figures who stand up for justice and equality.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice
As the investigation into Baba Siddique’s murder continues, the focus remains on delivering justice to his family and holding those responsible accountable. Zeeshan Siddique’s impassioned plea for justice resonates with many who are frustrated with the state’s inability to protect its citizens, particularly those in public service.
The murder of a public figure like Baba Siddique highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms in how security is handled for politicians and public servants. As the case unfolds, the demand for justice is not just a cry from the Siddique family, but from all who are concerned about the future of law and order in Maharashtra.
Zeeshan’s commitment to ensuring that his father’s death is not politicized speaks volumes about his resolve to protect his father’s legacy. Baba Siddique’s death has undoubtedly shaken the political and social fabric of Maharashtra, and his family’s pursuit of justice will be watched closely in the days to come.
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