Baba Siddique Murder Investigation Should Include Slum Redevelopment Issues, Says Son Zeeshan Siddique

The investigation into the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique should include aspects related to slum redevelopment projects in Bandra, according to his son, Zeeshan Siddique. In his statement to the police, Zeeshan Siddique, a former MLA, mentioned that numerous developers frequently contacted his father regarding redevelopment projects. He also noted an incident where a developer used offensive language towards his father.

Zeeshan Siddique revealed that he and his father were actively advocating for the rights of slum residents in Bandra. He mentioned that a false case was filed against him due to his opposition to a redevelopment project. "There are many developers who were in regular contact with my father," he stated. He added that his father maintained a diary documenting his daily activities.

Focus on Slum Redevelopment Projects

The chargesheet filed by the police includes Zeeshan Siddique's statement as part of the investigation into the October 12 murder of the former state minister. Baba Siddique, aged 66, was shot dead by three attackers outside his son's office in Mumbai's Bandra East area. Zeeshan Siddique has requested a thorough investigation into all matters related to his father's murder.

On the day of the murder, Zeeshan Siddique learned that around 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm, Mohit Kambhoj, a BJP worker, contacted his father via WhatsApp. Mohit wanted to discuss a project in Bandra by Mundra Builders. "A builder during a meeting with certain persons regarding the SRA redevelopment project had used abusive words about my father," Zeeshan stated.

Legal Proceedings and Accusations

The police have submitted a chargesheet exceeding 4,500 pages to a special MCOCA court concerning the case. It implicates 26 arrested individuals while identifying three others—Shubham Lonkar, Yasin Akhtar, and Anmol Bishnoi—as wanted suspects. All accused are charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and are currently in judicial custody.

Zeeshan Siddique emphasised that developers were consistently in touch with his father for various projects. He urged authorities to investigate these interactions as part of the murder probe. His statement highlights potential motives linked to redevelopment disputes and underscores ongoing tensions involving slum development issues.

The investigation continues as authorities delve deeper into the connections between redevelopment projects and Baba Siddique's murder. The focus remains on uncovering any links between these projects and potential motives for the crime.