*Mumbai, October 12, 2024*: Former Maharashtra Minister and senior leader of the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Baba Siddique, was shot dead on Saturday evening outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Neelamnagar, Bandra. The fatal shooting, allegedly carried out by three armed men, has left the state in shock.According to officials, two of the assailants have been apprehended, while the search for the third accused is ongoing. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where Siddique was admitted, but doctors were unable to revive him.**Doctor Confirms Fatal Gunshot Wounds**Dr. Niraj Uttamani of Lilavati Hospital provided details of the incident, saying Siddique was brought to the hospital in critical condition at around 9:30 pm. “He had no pulse, no cardiac activity, and had suffered severe blood loss from gunshot wounds. Despite all efforts, he was declared dead at 11:27 pm,” Dr. Uttamani stated.**Political Leaders Pay Respects**The sudden demise of the influential NCP leader drew a strong reaction from political leaders across Maharashtra. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, along with senior officials and leaders like Union Minister Ramdas Athawale and Parth Pawar, visited the hospital to meet Siddique’s family.Ajit Pawar condemned the attack, calling it “extremely unfortunate” and expressed solidarity with Siddique’s family.**Political Reactions**Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described the incident as a “serious indictment” of the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kharge wrote, “Siddique’s tragic demise is shocking beyond words. Justice must be ensured, and a thorough and transparent investigation must be conducted to bring the culprits to book.”The Congress party has also demanded accountability from the Maharashtra government, insisting that those responsible be swiftly apprehended.