The tragic assassination of NCP leader Baba Siddique has created ripples across the political sphere and the glamorous world of Bollywood. This shocking incident has raised pressing concerns about security, particularly for Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The concern was voiced emphatically by his younger brother, actor and producer Arbaaz Khan.
Baba Siddique, a prominent figure known for his strong political connections and close ties to Bollywood personalities, was gunned down outside his office in Nirmal Nagar. Shot twice in the chest, Siddique was rushed to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital but succumbed to his injuries on a somber Saturday night. This unsettling event has inevitably left Siddique’s family and friends, including the Khan family, reeling with fear and vulnerability.
In an exclusive interview with Zoom, Arbaaz Khan reflected on the tense atmosphere that has gripped his family following Siddique’s untimely death. When quizzed about his brother Salman Khan’s safety, Arbaaz did not shy away from admitting the concern that has enveloped their family. “I wouldn’t say we are all okay right now but we are trying to do what we can do the best,” Arbaaz stated candidly. He added, “We are ensuring that everybody, along with the government and the police, is making sure that things go the way they should, and he’s protected.”
The assassination of Baba Siddique is not merely a political issue. The late leader was a beloved figure in Bollywood circles, often hosting grand Eid celebrations that became a convergence point for industry stalwarts. As Arbaaz Khan nostalgically mentioned in a conversation with ANI, “Baba Siddique was a very, very close family friend and a very loved person…
. his demise is quite saddening.” This loss is felt not just on a personal level but sends a chilling reminder of the complexities and potential hazards surrounding public figures in India.
As the community grapples with this loss, the Mumbai Crime Branch is rigorously following leads. So far, four individuals have been apprehended in connection with Siddique’s murder, while the search for three more suspects continues. Investigations have unveiled that the assassination was meticulously planned over the course of three months, with groundwork reportedly laid in Pune. The police have also recorded statements from over 15 individuals, offering a glimpse into the depth and complexity of this heinous plot.
Baba Siddique’s funeral, which took place at Bada Qabrastan in Mumbai, was a ceremony marked by full state honours, reflecting his stature and the impact he made across different spheres of life. His death, a stark and violent act, has exposed a climate of vulnerability that public figures in India routinely navigate. For Salman Khan, who has often been a target of threats due to his immense popularity and visibility, the importance of stringent security measures has once again come into focus.
This tragic incident has prompted a widespread appraisal of security protocols not just for high-profile political figures like Siddique but for Bollywood celebrities as well, who consistently find themselves under intense public scrutiny and potential threat. As Arbaaz Khan articulated, “We want to stay this way right now,” underscoring their family’s desire to remain vigilant and cautious amidst this unsettling time.
The loss of Baba Siddique marks a dark chapter in the intertwined world of Indian politics and cinema. As the investigation into his assassination unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will shape public discourse around security and the necessary measures required to protect public figures in one of the largest democracies in the world. As the Bollywood fraternity mourns the loss of a dear friend, the collective consciousness of the nation awaits clarity and justice in the wake of this shocking event.
