October 13th 2024.
The city of Mumbai was left reeling after the tragic murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique in the upscale Bandra area. The news sparked a heated exchange between the opposition and BJP, with a viral social media post claiming that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was behind the shocking crime.
One of the two accused in the case was remanded in police custody until October 21, while the police were directed to conduct a bone ossification test to determine the age of the second accused, who claimed to be a minor. During the court proceedings, the police mentioned that they were looking into the possibility of political rivalry being the motive for the murder, especially with the Maharashtra assembly elections approaching.
The opposition, led by the Congress, demanded a thorough investigation into the killing and called for the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, holding them responsible for the "law and order failure" in the state. In response, the BJP accused the opposition of playing "petty politics" over the murder. Siddique's party chief and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar urged that the incident should not be politicized.
The former Maharashtra minister, who was 66 years old, was fatally shot by three men while on his way to his son Zeeshan Siddique's office on Saturday night. The Congress criticized the BJP-led government in Maharashtra for failing to protect its own leaders and the people of Mumbai, accusing them of trying to postpone the elections.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "It is a government that is on its last legs. With this, the countdown for its exit has begun." His party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi also called for a thorough and transparent investigation, holding the Maharashtra government accountable for the incident.
Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena, an alliance partner in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, stated that every move of the Shinde government is viewed with suspicion. NCP leader Sharad Pawar also called for the rulers to take responsibility for the incident and step down. AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal pointed out that people across the country are scared by the killing of Siddique, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav condemned the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra.
On the other hand, BJP spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain and senior leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi criticized the opposition for making insensitive remarks on such a sensitive issue. The late NCP leader, who had recently joined Ajit Pawar's party, was well-known for his humanitarian work, especially during the Covid pandemic. He was also known for his annual Iftar parties, attended by top Bollywood actors.
Police have found some leads in connection with the case, and different angles are being probed, according to Chief Minister Fadnavis. One police constable was guarding Siddique at the time of the shooting, and two pistols and 28 live cartridges were recovered from the two accused. The UP police confirmed that the two youths, who are from Bahraich district, have no criminal history. A team from the Special Cell of the Delhi Police will also be assisting in the investigation, and a social media post has claimed the involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was among the many well-known personalities who paid their respects to Siddique at his house in Bandra. The prominent Muslim leader was close to several Bollywood stars and was known for his generosity and goodwill. As the city mourns the loss of a beloved leader, the focus is now on ensuring that justice is served.
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