Baba Siddique killed: Attackers used firecrackers as cover to shoot NCP leader

India Today has accessed an exclusive image of one of the two accused who was arrested from the spot. The third accused involved in Baba Siddique's killing is currently on the run.

In Short

• Baba Siddique shot dead outside son's office
• Exclusive image of one of the arrested accused surfaces
• Ajit Pawar mourns loss, promises to trace mastermind

NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his son's office on Saturday evening. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital after being hit by bullets in the stomach and chest, but succumbed to the bullet injuries.

Two people have been arrested in connection with his killing, with one hailing from UP and the other from Haryana. The third person involved in his killing is still on the run.

Baba Siddique's attackers used firecrackers as cover to shoot the NCP leader. He was bursting firecrackers outside his son and MLA Zeeshan Siddique's office on the occasion of Dussehra when he was shot.

As Siddique was bursting firecrackers, three assailants emerged from a vehicle, their faces covered with handkerchiefs. Without warning, they opened fire with a 9.9 mm pistol, discharging three rounds, one of which struck Siddiqui in the chest, causing him to collapse on the spot.

One of the bullets cracked the windshield of Baba Siddique's vehicle, confirming that multiple shots were fired. Police also recovered three bullet casings from the scene, according to another video that surfaced online

India Today has accessed an exclusive image of one of the two accused who was arrested from the spot.

Responding to the attack, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has pledged strict action against those responsible for the attack on the NCP leader. "Two accused have been arrested, and one suspect is still at large. No one can take law and order into their own hands," Shinde said.

NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said he lost a "good colleague and a good friend" after Baba Siddique was killed. He said strictest action would be taken against the accused, adding that the mastermind behind the attack would also be traced.

"The incident will be thoroughly investigated, and strict action will be taken against the attackers. The mastermind behind the attack will also be traced. With the demise of Baba Siddique, we have lost a good leader who fought for the minority brothers and strived for pan-religious harmony," he said.