In a tragic and alarming turn of events, Maharashtra’s political landscape has been shaken by the brutal murders of two prominent Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders, Sachin Kurmi and Baba Siddique, both affiliated with the Ajit Pawar-led faction. The killings, which took place within the span of just one week, have sent shockwaves through the state and raised concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Mumbai.
Sachin Kurmi, who was the Byculla Vidhan Sabha constituency’s taluka president and a loyalist of Chhagan Bhujbal, was fatally stabbed in Mumbai’s Byculla (east) on October 5. Kurmi was attacked after he was leaving a political event in the city. He was attacked with a sharp object and there were more than 10 stab injuries on his head, hand, chest and other body parts, as per the police.
Kurmi’s murder has left his supporters and party members in disbelief. Known for his social welfare programmes, Kurmi’s death has been met with widespread condemnation, with political leaders across the spectrum calling for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, on October 11, former minister and senior NCP leader Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his son’s office in in Mumbai’s Bandra. Siddique, a highly influential figure in Maharashtra politics and a key player in the NCP’s Ajit Pawar-led faction, was gunned down by three shooters, who used a 9.9 mm pistol. Two shooters were arrested while the third one is on the run.
According to sources, Baba Siddique had received a death threat a few weeks ago, after which his security was upgraded to the ‘Y’ category.
The back-to-back killings have ignited a wave of concern and outrage among the public and political leaders alike.
Opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP(SP) and Congress, have condemned the murders and criticised the ruling state government for its failure to maintain law and order. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole questioned the competence of the current government, stating, “These murders indicate a collapse of the state’s law enforcement machinery. If prominent political leaders are not safe, how can we assure the safety of the common man?”
As Maharashtra reels from these shocking incidents, political tensions are running high. The murders of Kurmi and Siddique have not only exposed the vulnerabilities within the state’s security apparatus but have also raised questions on the Mumbai police.
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