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The assassination of Maharashtra MLA Baba Siddique has sent shockwaves through India, with a social media post claiming responsibility from the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang further intensifying the investigation. The post, which appeared on Facebook under the name Shubuu Lonkar, asserted that the gang had no desire for a conflict but had been forced to act after Salman Khan, a prominent Bollywood actor, “harmed our brother.” The post went on to explicitly state, “Baba Siddique’s chapter has closed today,” linking his death to connections with the MCOCA Act, Dawood Ibrahim, and Anuj Thapan, all figures known for their involvement in Bollywood, politics, and property dealings. The post also quoted the famous poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s work, suggesting a level of calculated intent behind the message.
Despite the inflammatory nature of the post, Mumbai police are currently verifying its authenticity and context. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when three assailants opened fire on Siddique outside his son’s office in Bandra, Mumbai. Authorities have apprehended two of the shooters, Gurmail Baljit Singh and Dharamraj Kashyap, while a third suspect, Shiv Kumar, remains at large. The Mumbai crime branch has registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act, and Maharashtra Police Act, and the investigation is ongoing. The social media post’s veracity is crucial as it could have significant implications for the investigation, potentially shifting the focus towards a gang rivalry angle. The post’s content, including references to Salman Khan and Dawood Ibrahim, hints at a complex web of connections and potential motives.
The murder of Baba Siddique, a former Congress leader who served as a minister in the Maharashtra government, has triggered widespread condemnation. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Siddique would be cremated with full state honors, acknowledging his significant contributions to the state. The tragic incident highlights the escalating security concerns in India, particularly concerning gang violence and the infiltration of criminal elements into various sectors, including politics and entertainment. The Mumbai police are facing the challenge of unraveling the truth behind the murder, while the social media post serves as a stark reminder of the growing influence and potential risks associated with online platforms in disseminating information and shaping public perception.