NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique received a death threat just 15 days before his tragic death in Mumbai on Saturday night, Times Now has learnt. The 66-year-old received the threat in relation to his construction business, sources said. The Mumbai police had recently increased his security to 'Y' category after an assessment of the threat to his life.
Siddique, who was a key leader of the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, was fired at around 9.30 pm on Saturday near his son's office. He was rushed to Lilavati hospital where he died during treatment. His son, Zeeshan, is the MLA from Bandra East. Two people have been arrested. According to reports, a 9.9 mm pistol was used in the shooting, hinting at a possible contract killing.
The Mumbai police are also probing other angles, including personal animosity and political killing, Times Now has learnt. Police officials are also looking into the possibility of involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Siddique shares close ties with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who has received threats from the Bishnoi gang over his alleged involvement in the 1999 Blackbuck poaching case.
One of the shooters is from Uttar Pradesh and the other from Haryana, while a third accused fled from the spot.
A three time-former MLA, Siddiqui had recently joined the NCP after quitting the Congress.
Leaders cutting across party lines condoled the incident, with some from opposition parties expressing concern at the law and order situation in Maharashtra.
"The firing incident is unfortunate, condemnable and painful. I am shocked to learn about his death," Siddiqui's party president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said.
A thorough probe will be done and strict action will be taken against the guilty, he added.
NCP working president Praful Patel, a close friend of Siddiqui, said he was at a loss of words.
In a post on X, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said he was deeply shocked at the death of a "dear friend from my Youth Congress days".
NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar expressed concern over the law and order situation in Maharashtra.
Former state home minister and NCP(SP) leader Anil Deshmukh as well as Congress' leader and LoP in the assembly Vijay Wadettiwar slammed the Eknath Shinde government for the incident.
A leader with 'Y' category security getting shot dead this way was shocking, the two said.
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