An Indian politician has been shot dead in the commercial capital Mumbai.
According to local media, gunmen opened fire on Baba Siddique, 66, near the office of his son, also a politician.
Two people were arrested in connection with the murder.
Siddique, a former local minister, is a senior figure in Maharashtra state politics, which is expected to hold legislative elections next month.
In February, he defected to the Congress, India’s main opposition party, and joined the unrelated regional National Congress Party (NCP), part of the ruling coalition of the BJP.
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who is from the same party as Siddique, said he was shocked by the “cowardly attack”.
Siddique is famous for his lavish parties and close relationships with Bollywood superstars.
The shooting occurred under high security due to a major Hindu festival taking place in the city.
Opposition parties have criticized the government, saying there were serious security lapses. The state government has promised a thorough investigation.
Although two suspects were arrested, the motive remains unclear. Police are searching for a third suspect.
Some Indian media reported that the suspects said they belonged to a gang run by notorious criminal Lawrence Bishnoi.
Bishnoi is currently serving a prison sentence in connection with several high-profile murder cases, including attempted murder. Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022.
The shooting happened weeks after Siddique’s security detail was upgraded following death threats.
