Mumbai, Oct 13 . The murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddiqui has sent shockwaves across the city. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up at the official residences of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar in Malabar Hill area of south Mumbai.
The police have ordered barricades to be put up at some important locations in the Malabar Hill area for security. Baba Siddiqui was killed by three people on Saturday night. One of the accused involved in the murder is from Haryana and the other from Uttar Pradesh. The police have arrested both of them, while the third is absconding.
The police said the names of the accused are Shiva, Dharmaraj and Gurmel. Shiva and Dharmaraj are residents of Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh. Both of them have no previous criminal record, while Gurmel is from Haryana. Dharmaraj and Gurmel have been arrested. Shiva is absconding. It is being told that he was given a contract for this murder.
NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal said that the responsibility of Baba Siddiqui’s murder is not only on Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis but also on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. A week ago, NCP’s Byculla chief was brutally murdered. Yesterday (on Saturday) Baba Siddiqui was murdered. This is a challenge for Mumbai Police. These boys are after killing people for 10 thousand to 20 thousand rupees. This is contract killing. Police should be given a free hand. The responsibility for this is not only of the Home Minister but also of the Chief Minister.
Bhujbal has appealed to Deputy Chief Minister and State Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai Police to take immediate steps to investigate the murder of Baba Siddiqui and NCP’s Byculla chief Sachin Kurmi. The news of Baba Siddiqui being shot dead by unknown people in Mumbai is extremely shocking and mind-boggling. It has not even been a week since the murder of Sachin Kurmi, this incident is extremely worrying. I appeal to Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai Police to take immediate steps to investigate both these cases. Heartfelt tribute to Baba Siddiqui!
Bhujbal said that he has known Baba Siddiqui for many years. He was given ‘Y’ security after receiving threats. However, he did not get any help even after being provided security. There should also be an investigation as to who threatened him.
Bhujbal said, “Maharashtra Police has a big name and it should not be tarnished. The accused should be punished as soon as possible. The Home Minister and the state government should stand behind the police. The courage of the police should be boosted. There is no politics in this. There is no history of anyone being killed after leaving the Congress. The murder could have happened due to extortion or business. The police should be given a free hand. The case should be investigated as soon as possible and the culprits should be punished.”
