NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was tragically shot dead in Mumbai on October 12. The 66-year-old was killed by three assailants outside his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra’s Kher Nagar. Despite being rushed to Lilavati Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was suggested in a social media post, which the Mumbai Police later confirmed. The police stated that the gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail, was involved in the assassination. Siddique suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including two to the chest and one to the abdomen. Baba Siddique Murder: Salman Khan Cancels Meetings After NCP Leader Shot Dead in Mumbai.

In the aftermath of the shooting, several celebrities, including Salman Khan, who shared a close bond with Siddique and his family, quickly arrived at the hospital. While Salman Khan was present to pay his respects at Siddique’s residence, Shah Rukh Khan’s absence at both the hospital and the funeral raised eyebrows. Speculation suggests that he may have chosen to avoid political controversy. A source told Times Now, “Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t want to get associated in the politician’s murder case. The case is also related to Salman Khan and King Khan, for that matter, wishes to stay away from this! Knowing how Lawrence Bishnoi’s circuit works, Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t want any harm on him anymore. Hence, he has chosen ‘disappearance’ in the entire matter by skipping Baba Siddique’s funeral who was a close friend to him.” Baba Siddique Murder Probe: Fourth Suspect Arrested in Bahraich; Cops Say He Provided Money and Logistical Support to Shooters.

A Meta post by Shubuu Lonkar, believed to have ties with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility for Siddique’s murder. Lonkar alleged that Siddique was targeted due to his connections with terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, his close ties to Salman Khan and the death of Anuj Thapan, a suspect in the shooting outside Khan’s house, while in police custody. Baba Siddique was a staunch supporter of increasing Salman Khan's security after the actor started receiving threats. As of now, neither Shah Rukh Khan nor his team has commented on the matter.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2024 04:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).