Baba Siddique murder case: Govt, Home dept will reach roots of it, strict action will be taken, says Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. File Pic

Following the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the state government and the Home Department will reach the roots of it, adding that strict action will be taken against the accused involved in the matter, reported news agency ANI.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, the Maharashtra CM called the killing of Baba Siddique "unfortunate."

"It is the government's responsibility to maintain the law and order... The incident was very unfortunate... Many of the accused in the incident have been arrested. The government and Home Department will reach the roots of it. Those who are involved will be spared. Strict action will be taken in the Baba Siddique murder case," CM Shinde told ANI.

Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader, was shot dead on October 12 by three assailants near the office of his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique, in the Nirmal Nagar area of Mumbai.

Siddique sustained gunshot wounds to the chest after being shot outside his office in Nirmal Nagar, Mumbai. He was taken to the city's Lilavati Hospital for emergency treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries on October 12.

The gang led by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has claimed responsibility for the killing. So far, Mumbai Police has made 15 arrests in connection with the Baba Siddique murder case.

The Maharashtra CM also reiterated the party's position on the candidature of Nawab Malik from Mankhurd saying that the Mahayuti would not campaign for Malik.

"Our decision is clear and our candidate is also contesting. Our stand is clear... We will not change our stand... We will see on November 4. Ajit Pawar is our alliance partner and we will work in alliance," he said, reported ANI.

The CM said that within a short span, the people had appreciated steps taken by his government and that he was a government of the common man.

"I consider myself a CM common man... My protocol does not come in my way. I go directly to the people, listen and talk to them... I believe that the farmers have the first right to our government's treasury... We gave Rs. 15000 crores in 2 years to compensate for the losses... The Opposition asks if this is the work of the CM, to go on the road. I ask if it is the CM's job to sit at home, is his job only to go live on Facebook. We are people who work face-to-face... Ours is not a deaf and dumb government. I am proud that within a short time, people have started saying that this is their government... My Ladli Yojana has become a superhit, is that wrong?... People's money should be spent to save people's lives. Wherever I am, in the ministry, at home, in the car, in a programme, anywhere, if a slip of CM Relief Fund comes, I immediately sign it. One lakh lives have been saved, this is a matter of great fortune for me," he said, reported ANI.

(With inputs from ANI)