Lawrence Bishnoi gang claims responsibility for NCP leader Baba Siddique's murder

Baba Siddique, a 66-year-old leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead on Saturday night in Bandra West, Mumbai. The attack occurred around 11:30 PM as he was leaving his office for his residence. Eyewitnesses reported multiple gunshots, and Siddique was quickly transported to Lilavati Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the murder through a viral Facebook post. The post indicated that the killing was linked to Siddique’s associations with Bollywood actor Salman Khan and underworld figures Dawood Ibrahim and Anuj Thapan. It stated, “We did not want this war, but you made our brother lose his life.” Additionally, the post referenced Siddique's previous legal issues, including his history under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).

Mumbai Police have confirmed that Siddique's murder is being investigated as a contract killing. Two suspects have been arrested: Gurmail Baljit Singh, 23, from Haryana, and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap, 19, from Uttar Pradesh. A third suspect, Shiv Kumar, remains at large. Authorities have indicated that the killing was premeditated, with evidence suggesting that the assailants were compensated in advance and received their weapons prior to the incident.

Siddique was recognized in local politics and social work, known for his influential role in the community. His murder has raised concerns about the influence of organized crime in Maharashtra and highlights ongoing issues related to criminal networks in the region, particularly those associated with Lawrence Bishnoi, who is believed to have a significant following.