Mumbai: Sources say Bab Siddique’s son and Congress MLA Zeeshan was also one of the targets. However, it was sheer providence that saved his life. He had stepped outside his office with his father, and both were to drive back home. However, his phone rang, and he returned to his office to receive the call. It was then that the shooters shot at his father.
Security is high at Baba Siddique’s residence in Bandra, and mourners were seen arriving this morning to pay condolences to the family.
Even after two days of his murder, the motive behind his killing is yet to be established.
Gunshot sounds were drowned in the burst of crackers
Eyewitnesses say that when locals saw Baba Siddique, they requested him to momentarily burst crackers with them to celebrate. It was then that the shooters became active; they stepped forward and fired six shots at him, three of which hit Baba Siddique.
Some thought the commotion that ensued was the sound of firecrackers. Besides, in a pandal nearby, people were dancing to the beat of Drums celebrating Vijayadashmi.
The revellers and police personnel in Baba Siddique’s security realised that the politician had been hit. Some revellers carried Baba into his car and told the driver to rush him to the hospital while the police and people chased the shooters and caught two of them. The third, Shiva, managed to escape, and the hunt is on to nab him.
It is alleged that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has taken responsibility for the murder.
It is speculated that Bishnoi wants to fill the void left by Dawood in the criminal world. The Lawrence gang intends to spread terror in Bollywood and is aiming to rule the underworld.
Salman Khan’s security heightened
Salman is on the target, and security outside his house
Salman was advised not to visit Leelavati Hospital when Baba Siddique was admitted and had died from his injuries.
Security has been beefed up at Salman’s Galaxy apartment in Bandra West. No vehicles are allowed to stop outside the actor’s apartment, and his friends and associates have been asked not to visit him.
Salman has been advised not to leave his house. In addition to the security provided by the government, Salman has his own private security.
Accused nabbed, other three absconding
Meanwhile, the third accused, Praveen Lonkar, has been arrested. He is the brother of Shibu Lonkar, who had put up a post on social media lauding Siddique’s murder.
The two arrested shooters are in police custody till 21 October
Also, other accused persons — Zeeshan Akhtar and Shibu Linkar—are absconding, and the third Shooters, Shiva, are on the run.
Political parties clash
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has said that none will be spared, regardless of which gang is involved.
The opposition parties have criticised the Shinde government in Maharashtra, saying that the law and order situation in the state has deteriorated.
The BJP-led MahaYuti government in Maharashtra said that the opposition was politicising the unfortunate incident of the murder of a prominent politician.
The Maharashtra assembly election is slated for next month. The election commission is likely to announce the dates soon.
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Photo source: IANS
