Baba Siddique, a venerated political figure in Maharashtra, met an untimely and tragic end on Saturday, October 12. The 66-year-old had dedicated several years of his life to serving as the MLA for the suburban Bandra constituency in Mumbai and had held the significant positions of Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, as well as Labour. His life was abruptly cut short when he became the target of a brutal attack; three assailants unleashed gunfire outside the office of his son, Zeeshan, who carries on the family legacy as the current MLA of Bandra East. The news of Siddique’s shocking demise sent ripples of sorrow across social media, as various Bollywood luminaries and political figures expressed their condolences.
Among those mourning his loss was Riteish Deshmukh, who harnessed the power of social media to voice not just his sorrow but also a call for justice for Siddique’s family. Riteish, whose late father, Vilasrao Deshmukh, shared a deep bond with Siddique, poured his heart out in a poignant note. He stated, “Extremely saddened and shocked beyond words to learn about the tragic demise of Shri #BabaSiddique ji – My heart goes out to @zeeshan_iyc and the entire family. May god give them strength to brave this difficult time. The perpetrators of this horrific crime must be brought to justice.”
Similarly, Priya Dutt, daughter of the legendary Sunil Dutt and a politician in her own right, expressed her profound grief with an emotional tribute. “Today, I’m shaken to the core by the news of Baba Siddique’s tragic death. It has shaken me. Baba was more than a political associate; he was family. To my father, he was like a son, and to me, a brother and dear friend. He always stood steadfast by my father’s side. Upon my entry into politics, Baba guided me through its trials and triumphs, offering unwavering support. His loss feels akin to losing a family member. My heart bleeds for Bhabhi, Zeeshan, and Arshia. May God grant them the resilience to bear this immense sorrow. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Farewell, dear brother.”
Shamita Shetty, too, could hardly contain her shock, remarking, “Shocked to hear about Baba Siddique…! What’s happening? May his soul rest in peace and may God give his family the strength to deal with this terrible loss!! #ripbabasiddique.”
The air was thick with grief as prominent figures, including Shilpa Shetty, Salman Khan, and Sanjay Dutt, gathered at Siddique’s residence, paying their respects and offering solace to the grieving family. Their presence was a testament to the profound impact Siddique had on both the political and film landscapes.
As the outpouring of emotion continues, the community stands united in remembrance of a life dedicated to service, and calls for justice echo in the wake of this tragic event.
