Mumbai's Political and Real Estate Turmoil: The Murder of Baba Siddique
The murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique in Mumbai has sparked various theories, ranging from his close ties to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan to a real estate feud. The case has brought back memories of the violent 1990s in the city.
MumbaiCrimeReal EstateBollywoodPoliticsReal Estate MumbaiOct 14, 2024
Baba Siddiqui, the former MLA of Bandra West, was a prominent figure in Mumbai’s posh western suburb, home to Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. He entered politics in the late 1970s under the mentorship of Bollywood legend and politician Sunil Dutt. Baba served as the MLA of Bandra East for 15 years and was the State Minister for Food and Drug Administration from 2004 to 2008. Bandra West is part of the Lok Sabha constituency that was represented by Sunil Dutt and his daughter Priya Dutt in 2004 and 2009. Sunil’s son, Bollywood superstar Sanjay Dutt, was a close friend of Baba.
Babas’s influence in Bollywood was evident when he hosted an Iftar party where rival actors Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan reconciled. This event showcased Baba’s significant role in the film industry. Lawrence Bishnoi’s claim is based on Baba’s proximity to Salman Khan. Bishnoi, a gangster from Punjab, has been targeting Salman Khan for years, believing him to be guilty in the blackbuck hunting case of 1998. The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan holds the blackbuck as a sacred animal.
Bishnoi’s attempts to target Salman are not new. On April 14, 2024, gunshots were heard near Salman Khan’s apartment in Bandra West. A Bishnoi group claimed responsibility, and the Mumbai police arrested Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal from Bhuj, Gujarat. They were reportedly ordered to fire 10 rounds at the Galaxy apartment where Salman Khan resides. In 2018, the Bishnoi gang had conducted a reconnaissance of Salman’s house.
This story takes a bizarre turn, highlighting the poor governance and law and order in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and the country. Bishnoi is currently in Sabarmati jail, Gujarat, facing charges in 12 different cases, some of which are being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). If Bishnoi managed to execute his plan in Mumbai, it reflects a significant failure of the Gujarat jail administration, the Maharashtra police, and the NIA.
Reports suggest that Baba’s killers stayed in Kurla, adjacent to Bandra, for several weeks. They rented a house and monitored Baba’s movements. Mumbai’s financial hub, the Bandra Kurla Complex, falls within Bandra East, the constituency where Baba’s son Zeeshan won in 2019 on a Congress ticket. One theory points to a real estate feud as the motive behind the murder. Historically, Mumbai’s real estate sector has been marred by violent conflicts involving underworld gangs and contract killings. However, this changed around 2005 as the city’s middle and upper-middle classes grew, leading to substantial financial growth and a decrease in sector conflicts.
Local media reports suggest that Baba was involved in a dubious slum rehabilitation project in Mumbai, which another real estate giant strongly contested. Baba’s opposition to this project may have led to his murder. However, could a politician of Baba’s stature be killed for a mere friendship with a superstar or a real estate dispute? This does not align with today’s Mumbai, leaving many questions unanswered.
In February, Baba switched from the Congress to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar, a part of the NDA. This move was seen as a shock for the Mumbai Congress and a political message to the Muslim community. As Muslims hesitated to vote for the BJP, they now had a choice within the NDA. Baba’s murder has dealt a significant blow to Maharashtra’s ruling alliance, and the opposition is using the law and order situation as an issue for the upcoming Assembly elections.
NCP chief and veteran politician Sharad Pawar stated, “This government has lost the moral right to remain in power. They should step down immediately. Baba Siddiqui’s murder serves as a warning that the ruling parties are incapable of maintaining law and order in the State.” Mumbai’s real estate and Bollywood industries are worth millions of crores of rupees. With the murder occurring less than five kilometers from India’s financial hub, BKC, identifying the killers and their mastermind is crucial for preserving ‘Brand Mumbai’. Baba’s killing cannot push Mumbai back into the violent 1990s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Baba Siddique?
Baba Siddique was a former Maharashtra minister and MLA of Bandra West. He entered politics in the late 1970s under the mentorship of Bollywood legend and politician Sunil Dutt and served as the MLA of Bandra East for 15 years.
What is the main theory behind Baba Siddique's murder?
The main theory is that Baba was killed due to his close friendship with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, as claimed by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who believes Salman is guilty in the blackbuck hunting case of 1998. However, another theory points to a real estate feud.
Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?
Lawrence Bishnoi is a gangster from Punjab who claimed responsibility for Baba Siddique's murder. He is jailed in Sabarmati, Gujarat, and is involved in multiple criminal cases, some of which are being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
What was Baba Siddique's role in Bollywood?
Baba Siddique was a significant figure in Bollywood, known for hosting the Iftar party where rivals Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan reconciled. This event highlighted his influence and stature in the film industry.
How has Baba's murder affected the political landscape in Maharashtra?
Baba's murder has dealt a significant blow to Maharashtra’s ruling alliance. The opposition is using the law and order situation as a campaign issue for the upcoming Assembly elections, and NCP chief Sharad Pawar has called for the government to step down.
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