In a recent development in the investigation of the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, his son, Zeeshan Siddique, has urged the police to consider the complexities of slum redevelopment projects in Bandra as part of their inquiry. Zeeshan, a former MLA, highlighted in his statement to the police that these projects were closely linked to his father’s work and could shed light on his untimely death.
Baba Siddique, aged 66, a prominent figure and former state minister, was fatally shot by three assailants outside his son’s office in Bandra East on October 12. Following the incident, a thorough investigation was launched, culminating in the filing of a substantial 4,500-page chargesheet before a special MCOCA court, implicating 26 individuals with three others still at large.
In his detailed statement, Zeeshan Siddique recounted several interactions involving his father and various developers, suggesting potential motives rooted in disputes over redevelopment initiatives. He emphasized the need for a meticulous examination of these interactions, particularly highlighting a distressing incident where a developer allegedly used abusive language towards his father during a meeting about an SRA redevelopment project.
Zeeshan’s statement also sheds light on a specific communication on the day of the murder, noting that Baba Siddique was contacted by Mohit Kambhoj, a BJP worker, regarding a project by Mundra Builders shortly before his death. This, according to Zeeshan, underscores the critical need to delve into the real estate angles of the case.
The Siddique family has been vocal about their commitment to the rights of slum dwellers in Bandra, a stance that has occasionally put them at odds with powerful real estate interests. Zeeshan’s insistence on investigating these aspects indicates a belief that his father’s murder was more than a mere criminal act but intertwined with his advocacy work.
