Content Warning: The following article contains graphic details of violence and murder that may be distressing for some readers.
It was a dark day when the news of the tragic demise of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique shook the nation. On that fateful Saturday, October 12, 2024, the world lost a prominent figure to a senseless act of violence. The perpetrators behind this heinous crime were none other than Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang, who brazenly claimed responsibility for the brutal murder.
In a chilling Facebook post that quickly spread like wildfire across social media, a member of the gang laid bare the motives behind the killing. The post alleged that Siddique’s close ties with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, as well as underworld figures Dawood Ibrahim and Anuj Thapan, were the catalysts for his untimely demise. The words echoed a tale of betrayal and vendetta, with the post stating, "Salman Khan, we did not seek this conflict, but you have caused harm to our brother."
The post, adorned with the words "Om, Jai Shri Ram, Jai Bharat," delved into the complexities of life and loyalty, emphasizing the sacred bond of brotherhood that the gang held dear. It was a stark reminder of the harsh realities that lurked beneath the glitz and glamour of Bollywood, politics, and property dealings.
As the investigation unfolded, the spotlight turned to two arrested shooters with alleged ties to the notorious gang. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed the arrests, shedding light on the origins of the suspects from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. However, a third assailant remained at large, evading justice as the authorities raced against time to bring them to account.
The scene of the crime, near Siddique’s son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra, Mumbai, painted a grim picture of violence and betrayal. The flurry of bullets that pierced the night air left Siddique fighting for his life, with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest. The authorities wasted no time in launching a full-scale investigation, deploying specialized teams to unravel the intricate web of deceit and treachery that led to the assassination.
Amidst the chaos and grief that engulfed the city, dignitaries and celebrities alike gathered to pay their respects to the fallen leader. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with a host of political and industry luminaries, converged at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital to offer solace to Siddique’s grieving family. The somber atmosphere was punctuated by the presence of Bollywood icons like Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty, and Raj Kundra, who stood in solidarity with the bereaved family in their hour of need.
Baba Siddique’s legacy transcended mere politics, as he was known for his close ties with Bollywood’s elite. His extravagant Iftar celebrations in Mumbai were legendary, drawing the glitterati of the film industry, including stalwarts like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. The void left by his untimely demise was felt not just in the corridors of power but also in the hearts of those who knew him as a friend and a mentor.
As we grapple with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, let us remember Baba Siddique not as a victim of violence but as a beacon of hope and unity in a world fraught with darkness. May his memory inspire us to seek justice, not vengeance, and to cherish the bonds of friendship that transcend all boundaries.
