A top Muslim politician in Mumbai, India's financial capital, was shot dead weeks before a key state election, as police investigate the role of a notorious prison gang.
Baba Siddique, 66, a three-time legislator and former minister in the state of Maharashtra, was shot several times outside the office of his son, also a legislator, in Mumbai on Saturday night, police said in a statement.
He later succumbed to his injuries at the city's Lilavati Hospital.
Siddique was associated with the main opposition Congress party for decades, but had recently joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a regional party that rules Maharashtra in coalition with another regional group, the Shiv Sena, and the Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. ).
Assembly elections in Maharashtra are expected to be held in November.
The shooting came weeks after Siddique's security detail was upgraded when he reportedly received death threats.
The Press Belief of India news agency reported that two suspected attackers had been arrested and police were searching for another.
Broadcaster NDTV said the two suspects claimed they were part of a gang led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who is in prison accused of running a prison gang that has carried out multiple murders.
Siddique was also close to several Bollywood superstars and was known for hosting lavish parties.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who heads the NCP group to which Siddique belonged, said he was “shocked” by the murder.
“The incident will be thoroughly investigated and strict action will be taken against the attackers. The mastermind of the attack will also be traced,” Pawar said in a statement on X.
“This is not a time for division or exploiting the pain of others for political advantage. “Right now, our focus must be on ensuring justice is served.”
The NCP has been devastated by the tragic loss of Shri Baba Siddique, a leader deeply loved by many, and personally, I have lost a dear friend whom I have known for years. We are heartbroken and struggle to understand the cruelty of this incident. This is not just a political loss: it is…
– Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) 0lI">October 13, 2024
zrD">Source link