Devendra Fadnavis' Gun-wielding Poster Falsely Linked To Baba Siddiqui Murder

However, BOOM found that this poster predates Siddiqui’s murder and was made after the encounter of the accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case that took place in late September this year.

NCP leader Baba Siddiqui was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office in Mumbai's Nirmal Nagar on October 12. The shooting was reportedly ordered by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently in Gujarat's Sabarmati jail.

One false claim stated, “Why is this photo of Devendra Fadnavis trending after the brutal murder of Baba Siddiqui? There is an immoral BJP government in Maharashtra!”

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BOOM conducted a reverse image search, which led to a Hindustan Times report from September 26, 2024, featuring the same photo. It was taken by photojournalist Raju Shinde. The description reads, “After the Badlapur sexual assault case accused Akshay Shinde killed in encounter. Unknown individuals put up posters of Devendra Fadnavis across Mumbai, bearing the phrase "Badla Pura" (Revenge Completed).”

Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two four-year-old girls in Badlapur, was killed by Thane police in retaliatory firing, which also injured a police officer. This incident sparked a major political dispute between the state government and the opposition.

Following the encounter, Shiv Sena workers celebrated by bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets, crediting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for delivering "natural justice," according to the Hindustan Times.

After the posters of Devendra Fadnavis with the caption "Badla Pura" appeared in various parts of Mumbai, including Kherwadi, Andheri, Lalbaug, and Sion, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) denied any involvement. BJP MLA and spokesperson Atul Bhatkhalkar told The Indian Express, “The BJP has not put up any posters. Our stand was cleared by Devendra Fadnavis himself on the very first day. We, the BJP, sincerely believe in the rule of law and follow it. We have no idea who has put up these posters."

Following this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed the posters. In response, BJP MLA Manisha Chaudhary criticized the BMC's actions and called for an inquiry into the removal.

BOOM also found similar reports in news outlets like The Indian Express, India TV, and Free Press Journal showing these hoardings after the police encounter.