Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Indian politician Baba Siddiqui shot dead in Mumbai

Siddiqui, a former Maharashtra state minister, was shot multiple times in the chest outside his son Zeeshan Siddiqui's office in Bandra East, Mumbai.

Baba Siddiqui (middle) was also known for his close ties with Bollywood stars and for hosting grand events. (Photo: Getty Images)
Baba Siddiqui (middle) was also known for his close ties with Bollywood stars and for hosting grand events. (Photo: Getty Images)

A SENIOR politician, Baba Siddiqui, was shot dead in India's financial capital, Mumbai, on Saturday, weeks ahead of key state elections.

Siddiqui, a former Maharashtra state minister, was shot multiple times in the chest outside his son Zeeshan Siddiqui's office in Bandra East, Mumbai.


The 66-year-old Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader was taken to Lilavati Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting, and police are searching for a third attacker.

The suspects claimed to be part of a gang led by Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious crime figure currently in jail.

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that one of the alleged shooters is from Uttar Pradesh, and the other is from Haryana state.

Siddiqui, a prominent Muslim leader in Mumbai, had previously represented the Bandra (West) seat in the Maharashtra assembly three times.

He was also known for his close ties with Bollywood stars and for hosting grand events.

The shooting comes just weeks after Siddiqui's security was upgraded following death threats.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar expressed his shock, calling the incident a "cowardly attack" and promising a thorough investigation.

"Strict action will be taken against the attackers, and the mastermind behind this incident will be traced," Pawar said in a statement.

Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, visited Lilavati Hospital after the incident. Several political leaders condemned the attack, with NCP (SP) President Sharad Pawar criticising the state's handling of law and order, while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray called the murder "shocking."

Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat and Ashok Chavan also expressed their grief, with Chavan recalling his time working alongside Siddiqui in the Congress party.

(With inputs from agencies)

More For You

Sadiq Khan

Khan will be given 'call-in' powers to review decisions by local councils that block late-night drinking licences in key nightlife areas. (Photo: Getty Images)

New powers for Sadiq Khan to support London's night-time economy

LONDON Sadiq Khan will receive new powers to help cut red tape affecting pubs, clubs and restaurants, the UK government announced on Friday.

Khan will be given “call-in” powers to review decisions by local councils that block late-night drinking licences in key nightlife areas.

Keep ReadingShow less
Russell brand

Sexual offences said to have taken place between 1999 and 2005

Getty

Russell Brand faces rape and sexual assault charges involving 4 women

Russell Brand has been formally charged with a series of sexual offences said to have taken place between 1999 and 2005. The comedian and actor faces allegations from four separate women, with the charges including rape, indecent assault, oral rape and further counts of sexual assault.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday that Brand has been informed of the charges. A statement from the force said he is to be charged with one count of rape in the Bournemouth area in 1999, one count of indecent assault in Westminster in 2001, one count of oral rape and an additional sexual assault in Westminster in 2004, and a further count of sexual assault in Westminster between 2004 and 2005.

Keep ReadingShow less
indian-parliament

In the Rajya Sabha, 128 members voted in favour, and 95 opposed it. In the Lok Sabha, 288 MPs supported the bill, while 232 voted against it.

Gatty images

Indian parliament passes the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill

INDIAN parliament has passed a controversial bill seeking to change the way Muslim charitable properties, known as waqf, are managed.

The bill was cleared after hours of heated debate, with the government saying it would bring transparency and the opposition alleging that it targets the Muslim community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Blood donor recruitment event for South Asian community

FILE PHOTO: A nurse prepares a man for a blood donation in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Blood donor recruitment event for South Asian community

THE NHS is holding a blood donor recruitment event at Shepherd's Bush blood donor centre on Saturday (5) to attract South Asian donors to help treat health conditions affecting their community.

South Asian donors are needed to treat thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder which affects people of Mediterranean, south Asian, southeast Asian and Middle Eastern origin. People with thalassemia produce too little or no haemoglobin, causing anaemia, fatigue, breathing issues and other symptoms.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi Yunus

The meeting took place on the sidelines of a regional summit in Thailand. (Photo: X/@ChiefAdviserGoB)

Modi meets Yunus for first talks since Hasina's exit

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi held talks with Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus in Bangkok on Friday.

This was their first meeting since former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from office in 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less