The Bandra Boys and the Mysterious Murder of Baba Siddiqui
Despite claims by authorities, the gang wars in Mumbai continue. The recent brutal murder of Baba Siddiqui, a well-connected 'Bandra Boy', highlights the deep-rooted connections between real estate, politics, and the underworld in the city. His close frie
Gang WarsBaba SiddiquiBandra BoysMumbai PoliticsReal EstateReal Estate MumbaiOct 18, 2024
The 'Bandra Boys' are now men in their sixties, no longer young and inexperienced. Most of them, including Baba, are terrifyingly wealthy, with business interests in Dubai, London, and other major cities. For a man who once paid his college fees by delivering video cassettes, Baba’s fortune is conservatively estimated at Rs 15,000 crores, and some say it could be four times that, considering his international dealings. How did this Bandra Boy accumulate so much wealth? How did he acquire prime real estate? Who were the political patrons that made this possible? Perhaps this is the real reason behind the gruesome murder. It’s all about money, a mega-deal that went sour.
Every day, we are bombarded with new stories by the police and other sources tracking the case, claiming breakthroughs. It took the Mumbai police over two days to locate a crucial black bag containing the murder weapon, which was apparently lying unnoticed by the roadside. Maybe the valiant, well-trained police forgot to sweep the area after the crime. Maybe their trained sniffer dogs just weren’t in the mood. Not only did they let one of the assassins slip away, but they also nabbed two others, one hiding in the bushes of a children's park. Are these really the men who orchestrated such a brazen hit on a prominent personality, with police constables guarding him? All the murderers needed to make their escape was firecrackers and pepper spray. Doesn’t it sound ridiculously amateurish for such an important hit job?
This is Mumbai, meri jaan. These things happen. People get blown away, just like that. Baba was getting into his car on a busy road when the assassins, after finishing their free sherbet, coolly pumped bullets into his chest. It was as simple as that. They had apparently been conducting reconnaissance for a while.
Siddiqui was the target. Possibly, his son Zeeshan too. Their crime? Ostensibly, their closeness to Salman Khan. The hit took place a few minutes after high-ranking police officials left the venue. This is being dubbed a 'concerning gap in situational awareness', a fancy term for plain negligence. The police say the main handler is a 24-year-old who leads a gang of 22 members. If true, Mohammed Zeeshan Akhtar must have received training by the best assassins in the business, possibly from Russia. The police boast they retrieved 28 live cartridges, suggesting these men may have had other targets. No kidding! Really?
Enough red herrings have been strewn around, more than enough to start a herring factory in Denmark. But these are early days of the investigation. As the assembly elections in Maharashtra approach, there will be many more colorful versions of what happened. Was it vendetta politics? One party with a lot at stake trying to discredit the other? Was it about 'protection money'? Which politician was brokering these deals? Who was the front man? The term 'gang wars' was only used by CM Eknath Shinde right after the killing.
Don’t confuse these suave, smooth-talking 'Bandra Boys' with the crass, foul-mouthed Bollywood wives of Bandra. This breed is unique. Our 'Bandra Boys' are as lethal as they are charming. Despite his public acts of charity, Baba Siddiqui is best remembered for his lavish, star-studded iftar parties, attended by a section of Bollywood with dubious underworld ties. Some needed Baba to bail them out of sticky situations. 'Protection money' helps when the going gets tough.
People recall the glamorous presence of gorgeously dressed ladies with their equally ostentatious partners, hugging the host on the red carpet. Baba hosted THE iftar party on the subcontinent. The cops are still issuing statements about Baba’s friendship with Salman Khan being the motive. For several hours after the news broke, it was not the police but only CM Eknath Shinde briefing the media about the high-profile crime that had shaken the city. Yet again, Mumbai’s gang wars are far from over. They have merely hit 'pause'. And Bollywood provides the much-needed alibi in these circumstances. After all, Bollywood stars are soft targets. Most lead compromised lives. The myth about the big showbiz clean-up is just that a myth. Let’s not kid ourselves. The real question is which party stands to gain the most with Baba eliminated? Which party will point fingers and make the maximum noise as Maharashtra goes to the polls? Passing the buck has taken on a whole new meaning!
Meanwhile, vote for the least offensive candidate from your area on November 20. Keep pepper spray handy just in case!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Baba Siddiqui?
Baba Siddiqui was a well-connected 'Bandra Boy' known for his generosity, political influence, and close friendship with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. He was a prominent figure in the real estate and business circles in Mumbai.
What led to Baba Siddiqui's murder?
The official narrative suggests his close friendship with Salman Khan as the motive. However, the reality may be more complex, involving deep-seated connections between politics, real estate, and the underworld in Mumbai.
What is the significance of the 'Bandra Boys' in Mumbai?
The 'Bandra Boys' are a group of influential and wealthy individuals from Mumbai's Bandra locality. They are known for their business acumen, political connections, and sometimes, their ties to the underworld.
How did Baba Siddiqui accumulate his wealth?
Baba Siddiqui's wealth is estimated to be around Rs 15,000 crores, and it is believed to have been accumulated through various business interests, including real estate deals, which he brokered with the help of political patronage.
What role did the police play in the investigation of Baba Siddiqui's murder?
The police's response to the case has been criticized for being slow and inefficient. They took over two days to locate the murder weapon and let one of the assassins slip away while nabbing two others in a children's park.
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