"He was a kind-hearted man": Maharashtra Minister expresses grief over Baba Siddique's killing

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 13 (ANI): Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan expressed deep sorrow late Saturday night over the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique, saying that the police are investigating the case, as tributes and condolences continue to pour in from political leaders.
Mahajan remembered Siddique as a kind-hearted individual and reflected on their association.
"I am deeply pained. Baba Siddique was with me in the Assembly... He was a kind-hearted man, and I shared a good relationship with him. I am truly shocked. The accused have been arrested, and the police are investigating the matter," Mahajan told ANI.
Siddique, a three-time MLA from Bandra West, had joined Ajit Pawar's NCP earlier in February this year after resigning from the Congress.
Siddique was shot by unidentified attackers in Mumbai's Bandra on Saturday evening.

Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the demise of senior NCP leader Baba Siddique Ji. This cowardly and heinous crime must be strongly condemned, and those responsible should not be spared. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.… pic.twitter.com/OcKIcIrIrt

— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) October 12, 2024

Earlier, NCP MP Praful Patel expressed shock over the incident, saying in a post on X, "This cowardly and heinous crime must be strongly condemned, and those responsible should not be spared."
Former MP and NCP Leader Anand Paranjape told ANI, "NCP is with his family at such a time. He was a senior leader...Deputy CM Ajit Pawar contacted his family and Parth Pawar is still with his family..."
In a self made video, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey hit out at the Maharashtra government over the law and order situation, calling for the resignation of Chief Minister and his deputy minister.
"Mumbai has been known all over the world for its law and order...But no one knows what has happened to Mumbai it's law and order here. A former minister and three-time MLA was shot. If such people are not safe, think what will happen to the common people...,"Dubey said.
He added, "The Home Minister and Chief Minister should resign. Law and order have completely collapsed..."
General Secretary and Spokesperson MPCC, Sachin Sawant told ANI, "This is very tragic and unbelievable. What is happening to the law and order in this country and state? This is condemnable."
Shiv Sena leader Krishna Hegade in a self made video said, "I know Baba Siddique from the last 35 years...I condemn what has happened to him, but this doesn't mean that there is a law and order issue in Mumbai...It should be investigated..."

महाराष्ट्र के वरीय नेता बाबा सिद्दक़ी की हत्या का समाचार बेहद दुखद है। परवरदिग़ार से इल्तिजा है कि मरहूम को जन्नत में आला मक़ाम दें और परिजनों को सब्र और हिम्मत। महाराष्ट्र में NDA शासन में लगातार हो रही ऐसी आपराधिक घटनाओं को क्या नाम देंगे?

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) October 12, 2024

In a condolence message posted on X, former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "The news of the murder of senior Maharashtra leader Baba Siddiqui is extremely sad. I pray to God to give the deceased a high place in heaven and give patience and courage to the family."
He asked, "What name will you give to such criminal incidents that are continuously happening in Maharashtra under the NDA rule?"
Mumbai Additional CP Paramjit Singh Dahiya confirmed the arrest of two suspects.
"The incident occurred around 9:30 pm in Nirmal Nagar. Baba Siddique was taken to Lilavati Hospital after being shot. Two suspects have been arrested, and the Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the case," Dahiya told reporters.
Mumbai Police said that they recovered the weapon used in the crime. "A 9.9mm pistol was used in the firing," officials said. (ANI)