Special court denies bail to three men charged under the Maharashtra organised crime law
MUMBAI — A year after the brutal murder of senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddiqui, his son and former MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui has voiced deep sorrow and frustration over the slow pace of justice, calling it “a year of endless pain and waiting.”
Posting a heartfelt message on social media, Zeeshan wrote, “Today a year has passed, but for me it is not just time but 365 days of sorrow, anger and immense pain. I think, if I had not left the office a few minutes earlier that night, maybe things would have been different. But I am sure that Papa would have thought of me even in his last breath.”
Baba Siddiqui, 66, was shot dead on October 12 last year. He was fired at near his carwhile he was leaving his son’s office in the bustling Bandra (East) area in Mumbai. He died later in hospital.
Zeeshan’s emotional post reflected not just a son’s grief but also the growing discontent among many of Baba Siddiqui’s supporters, who have been demanding faster progress in the case.
“It has been a year, but justice has not been done yet,” Zeeshan added. “Our family lost everything that day. This wound can never heal, but I firmly believe that truth cannot be suppressed forever and justice will surely prevail one day.”
Baba Siddiqui, known for his long-standing association with the Congress before joining the NCP, was respected across communities for his accessibility and his efforts to promote harmony.
Local residents and party workers remember him as a man of the people. “Baba Saheb never discriminated between communities,” said Imran Sheikh, a Bandra resident who had worked in Siddiqui’s election campaigns. “He helped everyone, Hindu or Muslim. His murder was not just a loss to one family, but to the entire community.”
In a key development, a special MCOCA court on 6 October rejected the bail applications of three accused — Sambhaji Pardhi, Gaurav Appone, and Anurag Kashyap. According to the prosecution, Kashyap allegedly helped the main shooter escape to Nepal after the killing. Pardhi and his associates are accused of supplying firearms and logistical support, while Appone was suspected of playing a key role in planning the attack.
Special public prosecutor Mahesh Molay argued before the court that “the crime was grave, and the evidence against the accused is strong.” He added that granting bail could “seriously hamper the investigation.”
After hearing both sides, the court agreed with the prosecution, observing that the release of the accused could interfere with ongoing inquiries. The decision brought a small measure of relief to the Siddiqui family, though Zeeshan said that “real justice” would only be achieved when all those responsible are punished.
Muslim leaders and social activists have also expressed concern over what they described as “deliberate delays” in high-profile cases involving minority victims. “If Baba Siddiqui, such a senior and respected figure, can be denied timely justice, imagine the plight of ordinary Muslims,” said social worker Afsar Khan. “This delay sends the wrong message.”
Political observers note that the murder has had a lasting impact on Mumbai’s political atmosphere. The case has not only exposed the nexus between crime and politics but has also reignited discussions about the safety of public representatives.
