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Former Maharashtra Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique is no more. He died on Saturday (October 12) after being shot in Mumbai.
The man who put an end to Shah Rukh Khan-Salman Khan's feud
It was at one of his Iftaar parties that Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan’s feud finally came to an end. For the unversed, B-town’s biggest stars Salman and SRK stopped talking to each other after they got into a heated argument at Katrina Kaif’s birthday party in 2008. However, in 2013, Baba Siddique played a pivotal role in bringing them together again. During his Iftaar party, Salman and Shah Rukh Khan reunited after years. The duo marked the end of their five-year-long feud with a warm hug at the event.
Baba Siddique shot dead by three assailants
Baba Siddique was shot dead, outside his son Zeeshan’s office in Bandra East, on October 12. According to the police, the politician was fired upon by three unidentified people. He was immediately rushed to the Lilavati Hospital.
Police investigation underway
The Mumbai Police are investigating the case. An official shared, “Two to three rounds were fired. Further probe is underway as teams have rushed to the area.” The Special Cell of Delhi Police has also initiated an investigation into Siddique’s murder case. The Counter Intelligence Unit of Delhi Police, who are known for collaborating with Mumbai Police on significant operations, has begun its probe.
Two assailants arrested
As of now, the police have reportedly apprehended two people. “Mumbai police chief told me two persons have been arrested. One is from Uttar Pradesh, other from Haryana. Third assailant is absconding but police are trying to nab him,” chief minister Eknath Shinde told Hindustan Times.
Who is Baba Siddique?
Baba Siddique entered politics by joining the Indian National Congress, as a teenager, in 1977. He went on to become the General Secretary of the Bandra Taluka Youth Congress, President of the Bandra Taluka Youth Congress, President of the Mumbai Youth Congress and Municipal Councillor in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, before he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for three successive terms. His first term began in 1999, followed by his re-election in 2004. He secured his third consecutive term in 2009.
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In February this year, Siddique ended his five-decade-long association with Congress and joined Ajit Pawar-led NCP. "I joined the Indian National Congress party as a young teenager, and it has been a significant journey lasting 48 years. Today I resign from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party @INCIndia with immediate effect," he tweeted.
Baba Siddique's Iftaar parties
Baba Siddique’s Iftaar dinners were among the most highly-anticipated events in Mumbai, steeped in a rich history of camaraderie. The politician started hosting his grand Iftaar parties as he envisioned a gathering where people from diverse backgrounds could come together as one big family. The bashes were nothing of a star-studded affair with Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and many more celebs in attendance.