Baba Siddique, a senior leader from Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, was fatally shot by unknown assailants in Bandra, Mumbai, on October 12. He was taken to Lilavati Hospital, but unfortunately, he did not survive the bullet wounds. The attackers fired three shots.
According to an official source cited by PTI, the shooting occurred outside the office of his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique, near Colgate Ground in Nirmal Nagar. Following the tragic news, Bollywood celebrities such as Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, her husband Raj Kundra, and Sanjay Dutt, among others, rushed to Lilavati Hospital.
Baba Siddique's close bond with Bollywood
Bollywood has maintained a close connection with Baba Siddique, recognized for his annual Iftar parties that united politicians and film stars. His passing has reverberated through both the political and entertainment spheres. Among those affected is Salman Khan, who shared a particularly close bond with him.
On October 12, 2024, Salman Khan canceled his filming for the popular television show Bigg Boss 18 and rushed to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra to offer his condolences and support to Baba Siddique's family following the tragic news of his close friend's passing.
Lawrence Bishnoi gang's Involvement
An NDTV report indicated that those arrested in connection with the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique have alleged connections to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. However, the Mumbai police have not yet issued an official statement verifying this involvement. The investigation reveals that the suspects had been living in Mumbai for several months and had carried out multiple reconnaissance missions prior to the attack.
One of the suspects involved is reportedly from Uttar Pradesh, while the other is from Haryana. Investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the shooting, and authorities are still searching for a third suspect who remains at large.
Security Beefed Up at Salman Khan's Residence
In response to the alleged links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and Salman Khan's close relationship with Baba Siddique, security measures have been heightened outside the actor's apartment. Recent videos from paparazzi captured security personnel stationed outside Salman Khan's Galaxy Apartment.
This increase in security follows recent gunfire incidents near his residence. attack on April 14 when two men on a motorcycle opened fire outside his Bandra home. The assailants, identified as Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, were subsequently apprehended in Gujarat.
With heightened security measures outside his Galaxy apartment in Bandra, Salman's family has also asked several of his industry friends to avoid visiting the actor during this difficult time. According to sources cited by India Today, Salman is heartbroken and deeply affected by the loss of his close friend Baba Siddique, who was not just a friend but felt like family to him.
Also Read: Baba Siddique shot dead in Mumbai, Shilpa Shetty, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt reach Lilavati hospital
Siddique's Role in Resolving the Feud Between Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan
Baba Siddique, former Maharashtra minister and influential political leader, was instrumental in mending one of Bollywood’s biggest feuds — the infamous rift between Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. The feud between the two Khans stemmed from an altercation during Salman’s then-girlfriend Katrina Kaif's birthday party in 2008. Their strained relationship caused a ripple effect in Bollywood, dividing the industry and creating a tense atmosphere among filmmakers and fans.
Amidst a period of tension, Baba Siddique, recognized for his strong connections with Bollywood, took on the role of peacemaker. During one of his Iftar parties, he strategically placed Shah Rukh Khan next to Salman Khan’s father, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan. When Salman arrived, the atmosphere shifted as he and Shah Rukh exchanged nods and then embraced, visibly easing the prior strain. Sensing the significance of this moment, Siddique encouraged photographers to capture it, marking the end of one of Bollywood's most notable feuds.
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