Baba Siddique murder: Why has investigation into high-profile killing slowed down

Mumbai: Who killed Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique? What was the motive?

These two questions are doing rounds in political and social circles. Ten suspects have been arrested by Mumbai police but there is still no clarity on the motive. Member of the Legislative Assembly in Maharashtra Zeeshan Siddique, son of Baba Siddique, has put out tweets demanding justice for his slain father.

Zeeshan Siddique’s tweets are keeping the buzz alive on the murder which has been discussed across the Indian spectrum. Siddique’s tweets hint at land issues related to the ambitious Slum Redevelopment Scheme that could have some link with the killing.

“They silenced my father. But they forget - he was a lion and I carry his roar within me, his fight in my veins. He stood for justice, fought for change, and withstood the storms with unwavering courage,” Zeeshan Siddique said in a tweet on October 20. “Now, those who brought him down turn their sights on me, This fight is far from over,” he added.

What is the land issue?

On October 17, Zeeshan Siddique put out a tweet demanding justice. He also talked about poor and innocent people whom his father protected.

Who are these people? Whom was Zeeshan Siddique pointing to?

Land near Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), according to sources, is the point of contention. Baba Siddique wanted the residents of the slums to be rehabilitated Slum Redevelopment Project of the Maharashtra government is a venture for the rehabilitation of the slums in Mumbai. Under the scheme, the slum dwellers are rehabilitated in the same place and houses are provided to them. But in reality, the scheme is cover for eviction.

There is a constant struggle between elected members of different political parties, bureaucrats, and the mafia in these rehabilitation projects. Baba Siddique’s murder has only brought this nexus to the fore. The BKC land for rehabilitation is valued at approximately Rs 1000 crores according to sources. Mumbai police have asked for papers from SRA for the redevelopment project.

Investigations into the land deal

According to sources, the land deal is one of the main angles that the Mumbai police are following now. But the pace is slow as the Maharashtra Assembly elections have been declared. A senior Congressman on condition of anonymity from Mumbai said, “The investigation on Baba Siddique murder case will depend on which government comes to power in the state.” Presently, Siddique was a part of the ruling alliance Mahayuti with BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena.

Is the Bishnoi angle still pursued?

Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s involvement was probed. However, according to sources, there is no direct link between Baba Siddique and Bishnoi. According to sources, the modus operandi of killing is similar to the contract killing executed earlier by the underworld in Mumbai. The recce done before killing and practice by contract killers in their home at Kurla (West) only indicates the pattern followed by the underworld.

The question before the Mumbai police is who gave the contract to kill Baba Siddique. “Firstly, it is important to establish the motive and till now there are only probable leads to the motive,” explained a senior source.

The motive and the conspirator are the two most important aspects of the murder and they both, to date, are missing.