14 october 2024 : Baba Siddique Murder Update: On Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut connected the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique to Gujarat, alleging that the so-called underworld operates from that state. He claimed that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in Sabarmati jail, took responsibility for the murder, presenting a challenge to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Raut pointed out Shah’s ties to Gujarat and urged NCP chief Ajit Pawar to call for his resignation following the murder. He previously warned that gang wars and the influence of the underworld could rise after the current government took power. Raut highlighted that significant drug seizures in Gujarat—worth ₹5,000 crore—indicate a larger issue, suggesting that drugs worth ₹50,000 crore may have already circulated across the country.
He demanded Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde demonstrate his “Singhamgiri” in the investigation, referencing Shinde’s declaration of bravery after shooting an accused criminal. Raut challenged him to confront those behind Siddique’s murder.
Siddique, known for his social connections in Bollywood, was shot by three assailants while setting off firecrackers on Saturday night. An alleged member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility on social media, stating that Siddique was targeted due to his ties with actor Salman Khan. The gang had previously threatened Khan and was involved in a shooting at his residence earlier this year.
In response, BJP officials condemned the politicization of the incident by Congress and the INDIA bloc. BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal stated that it is regrettable that such remarks are being made and reiterated that both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra are committed to holding anyone guilty accountable, regardless of their gang affiliations.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested two shooters and is actively searching for a third suspect. Additionally, a man named Pravin Lonkar from Pune has been detained for posting the gang’s claims on social media.
