Mumbai: The assassination of former Maharashtra Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique has sparked a political storm, with several leaders expressing concerns over the state’s law and order situation. Siddique was shot dead by three assailants in Mumbai on Saturday, leading to widespread outrage and a flurry of political reactions.

The Mumbai Police are currently investigating various angles surrounding Siddique's murder, including the possibility of contract killing and rivalry. According to police, two suspects apprehended in connection with the case have confessed to having links with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

The two accused in the case have been identified as Gurmail Singh (23) from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap (19) from Uttar Pradesh. According to Mumbai Police, the suspects had conducted reconnaissance of Siddique's residence and office for over a month before executing their plan. They had been residing in Mumbai for approximately one and a half to two months.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that while two individuals have been detained following the incident, efforts are underway to locate the third suspect involved in the killing. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, visited Lilavati Hospital following the incident to assess the situation.

NCP President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar condemned the shooting, describing the incident as "unfortunate, condemnable, and painful." He expressed his shock upon hearing the news of Siddique's death.

Former Congress leader-turned-BJP member Ashok Chavan expressed his grief upon hearing the news, recalling his days of working with Siddique when they were both members of the Congress party.

As the investigation continues, opposition leaders have not hesitated to criticize the Shinde-Fadnavis government over the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena UBT leader and Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray described the incident as a "complete collapse of administration, law, and order." Priyanka Chaturvedi, another Shiv Sena UBT leader, called the incident "very disturbing," questioning the state of law and order in Mumbai.