Baba Siddique’s Murder: Echoes of Mumbai’s Dark Past?

Baba Siddique’s Murder: Echoes of Mumbai’s Dark Past?

The assassination of Baba Siddique, a prominent figure in Mumbai’s political and real estate scenes, has sent shockwaves through the city, raising fears of a resurgence of organized crime in a metropolis once ruled by infamous underworld dons. As investigations unfold, the chilling possibility that his murder was a contract killing—potentially tied to notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi—has gripped public attention. But is Bishnoi’s involvement the full story, or could there be more sinister motives lurking beneath the surface?

The Assassination of Baba Siddique

Baba Ziauddin Siddique (13 September 1958 – 12 October 2024)

On the night of October 10, 2024, Baba Siddique was gunned down in a brazen attack outside his Bandra residence. The former MLA, known for his influence in Mumbai’s real estate market, was no stranger to controversy, having been involved in several high-profile disputes. However, his assassination shocked even the most seasoned observers of Mumbai’s criminal landscape.

According to police sources, early investigations suggest that the murder was a meticulously planned contract killing, allegedly orchestrated by Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang from within prison. This theory has gained traction due to Bishnoi’s recent high-profile threats, including his long-standing feud with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan.

Lawrence Bishnoi: A Feared Name in Organized Crime

Lawrence Bishnoi going for court.

Lawrence Bishnoi, currently serving time in prison, has been linked to various violent crimes and extortion schemes across India. His name became widely known after threats he made against Salman Khan, stemming from the actor’s involvement in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. Bishnoi’s gang, according to police dossiers, allegedly operates a vast network of over 700 shooters, many of whom are recruited with promises of lucrative opportunities abroad, including a “ticket to Canada.”

Sources within law enforcement claim that Bishnoi continues to run his criminal empire from behind bars, using technology and intermediaries to coordinate his operations. Some reports suggest that the hit on Siddique was contracted for a mere ₹50,000, a sum that underscores the stark realities of Mumbai’s criminal underworld. However, police have yet to officially confirm this figure, and its veracity remains under scrutiny.

A Convenient Distraction?

While Bishnoi’s involvement in the assassination seems plausible given his violent track record, some observers question whether his role is part of a broader strategy to distract from deeper, more complex motives. Siddique’s political and business ties were extensive, and his involvement in Mumbai’s real estate sector made him a powerful and potentially dangerous player.

One possible motive revolves around ongoing disputes over prime real estate in Bandra, where Siddique was deeply entrenched. Sources within the industry suggest that his son, who has reportedly been managing several contentious projects, may have inherited not only his father’s ambitions but also his feuds. Could Siddique’s death be the result of real estate rivalries rather than a simple underworld hit? Investigators have yet to rule out the possibility, and the case remains wide open.

The Resurrection of Mumbai’s Underworld?

The assassination has sparked renewed fears of a resurgence in organized crime, harking back to the days when Mumbai was a battleground for gangsters like Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan. In recent years, authorities had made significant strides in curbing the influence of the underworld, but Siddique’s murder raises the troubling question: are the gangs making a comeback?

Some experts believe that the city’s growing wealth, coupled with lax enforcement, has created a fertile ground for organized crime to re-establish its roots. As one senior police official noted, “Mumbai has always been a magnet for crime because of its money, power, and opportunity. If we’re not careful, the city could slip back into the chaos of the 1990s.”

However, it is important to approach such conclusions with caution. While the murder is alarming, there is not yet sufficient evidence to claim that a full-scale underworld resurgence is underway. The rise of individual criminals like Bishnoi does not necessarily signal the return of the sprawling syndicates that once dominated Mumbai’s streets.

Real Estate, Power, and Politics

Beyond the criminal implications, Siddique’s death also raises questions about the murky intersection of real estate, politics, and crime in Mumbai. The city’s lucrative property market has long been a flashpoint for disputes, with political heavyweights often deeply involved in questionable dealings.

Investigators are now exploring the possibility that Siddique’s assassination may have been connected to his real estate dealings, including rumored partnerships and disputes with powerful figures in the industry. Some reports even suggest that Siddique’s son could be a central figure in these disputes, though no official allegations have been made. Could the assassination have been a targeted attack to settle scores within the high-stakes world of Mumbai real estate?