Very shameful incident for Maharashtra govt: Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi on murder of Baba Siddique

Oct 13, 2024

New Delhi [India], October 13 : Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi hit out at the Eknath Shinde led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra over the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and said that it is a very shameful incident and more than politics it is about law and order situation in the state.
Imran Pratapgarhi said, "If a person like Baba Siddique can be murdered - who is well connected, high profile, has security and in the government as well, if that person is not safe, then who is safe in Maharashtra? It's my direct question to Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, if they can't protect high-profile people, what will be about the common people? It's a very shameful incident for the Maharashtra government. More than politics it's about law and order situation."
He further said that according to media reports he got a threat 15 days ago and in such a situation it was even more shocking incident.
"Congress is standing with the family of Baba Siddique," he added.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday urged everyone to resist from politicizing the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique and said that this is not a time for "exploiting" the pain of others for political advantage.
In a post on X, Pawar said that the NCP has been devastated by the tragic loss of Baba Siddique and is struggling to grasp the cruelty of this incident.
"A leader deeply loved by many, and personally, I have lost a dear friend whom I have known for years. We are heartbroken, struggling to grasp the cruelty of this incident. This is not just a political loss--it's a deeply personal tragedy that has shaken us all," he said.
"I strongly urge everyone to resist the temptation to politicize this horrifying event. This is not a time for division or for exploiting the pain of others for political advantage. Right now, our focus must be on ensuring that justice is served. We will not rest until those responsible are brought to account," Ajit Pawar added.
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on Sunday announced that NCP leader Baba Siddique would be cremated with full state honours.
According to the Chief Minister Office (CMO), Siddique will be given full state honours as he served as minister in the Maharashtra government during 2004-2008 and also as chairman of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Crime Branch has registered a case at Nirmal Nagar Police Station in connection with the murder under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act and Maharashtra Police Act.
The case has been registered at Nirmal Nagar Police Station under Crime Registration No. 589/2024, Sections 103(1), 109, 125, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3, 25, 5, and 27 of the Arms Act, and Section 37 and section 137 of the Maharashtra Police Act.