Senior NCP leader Baba Siddique shot in Mumbai, dies during treatment in Lilavati Hospital

Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique was shot and died while receiving treatment at Lilavati Hospital in the Indian city of Mumbai announced on Saturday (Oct 12). Siddique was reportedly shot in Mumbai by unknown attackers out of which two have been arrested. 

The Mumbai police reported that the NCP leader was immediately taken to Lilavati Hospital for treatment.

Three bullets struck Siddique in the stomach and chest, according to reports. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving.

Authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with the shooting. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, “Two people have been arrested, one from Uttar Pradesh and one from Haryana, while another is on the run. I have asked the Mumbai police to take strict action.”

Recently, Siddique’s security had been upgraded to the ‘Y’ category following a threat he received a few weeks prior, media reports suggest.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya said, “The government should make a special team and investigate this. It seems to be a huge conspiracy. Strict action should be taken.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey questioned the government’s ability to protect citizens. He said, “If former MLAs are not safe in our city Mumbai, if leaders of the government are not safe then how will this government protect the common people? If they cannot keep their MLAs and former ministers safe then Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis should resign. He has no right to continue as the Home Minister. Eknath Shinde has no right to continue as the CM of the state.”

Earlier this year, Siddique, who had been a Congress member, left the party to join the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

In August, Siddique’s son Zeeshan, a Congress MLA, was expelled from the party, following revelations that seven Congress MLAs had cross-voted during the biennial elections to the Legislative Council.

Siddique had previously served three consecutive terms as an MLA in 1999, 2004, and 2009, and had also held the position of Minister of State for Food & Civil Supplies, Labour, and FDA.

(With inputs from agencies)