In a significant development in the Baba Siddique murder case, a Mumbai court has ordered a bone ossification test to verify the age of the second accused, who claims to be a minor. The accused, arrested from Uttar Pradesh, insists he is underage despite his Aadhaar card listing him as 19. The court has delayed his police custody until the age verification results are available.
The Murder of Baba Siddique
Former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique, 66, was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Mumbai’s Bandra East. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the killing, which police say was carried out by three shooters.
Two of the alleged shooters have been arrested, Gurmail Baljit Singh, 23, from Haryana, and the alleged minor from Uttar Pradesh. A third suspect, Shiv Kumar Gautam, also from UP, is still on the run, along with their handler, whose identity remains undisclosed.
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Political Fallout
The murder has sparked a political debate, with the Opposition Congress criticizing the Eknath Shinde government for the state’s deteriorating law and order situation, especially ahead of the upcoming state elections.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his sorrow and raised concerns about the security situation, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “The tragic demise of Baba Siddique ji is shocking and saddening. This horrifying incident exposes the complete collapse of law and order in Maharashtra. The government must take responsibility, and justice must prevail.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed similar sentiments, calling for a transparent investigation and swift justice, stating, “The present Maharashtra government must ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. The culprits must be brought to justice at the earliest. Accountability is crucial.”
As investigations continue, police are actively working to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the case.
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