An Indian politician has been shot dead in the commercial capital Mumbai.
According to local media reports, gunmen opened fire on 66-year-old Baba Siddique near his son, who is also a politician.
Two people were arrested in connection with the murder.
Siddique is a former regional minister and a senior figure in Maharashtra politics, which is expected to hold legislative elections next month.
In February, he defected from India’s main opposition Congress party to join the unrelated regional National Congress Party (NCP), which is part of the ruling coalition of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who belongs to the same party as Siddiq, said he was shocked by the “cowardly attack”.
Siddiq was known for his lavish parties and close relationships with Bollywood superstars.
Security was tight at the time of the shooting as the city was hosting an important Hindu festival.
Opposition parties criticized the government, saying there were major security lapses. The state government has promised a thorough investigation.
Although two suspects are in custody, a motive is unclear. Police are looking for a third suspect.
Some Indian media reported that the suspects said they were from a gang led by notorious criminal Lawrence Bishnoi.
Bishnoi is currently serving time in prison for his role in several high-profile murders, including the killing of Indian Rapper Sidhu Moose Wala 2022.
Weeks before the shooting, Siddiq’s security staff escalated amid death threats.
