An Indian politician has been shot dead in the commercial capital of Mumbai.
Gunmen opened fire on Baba Siddiqui, 66, near his son’s office, according to local media reports.
Two people have been arrested in connection with the murder.
Siddiqui, a former local minister, was a senior figure in state politics in Maharashtra, which is expected to go to assembly polls next month.
In February he defected from India’s main opposition Congress and joined the unaffiliated regional Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is part of the BJP’s ruling coalition.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who belongs to the same party as Siddiqui, said he was shocked by the “cowardly attack”.
Siddique is known for lavish parties and close association with Bollywood superstars.
The firing was carried out amid tight security on the occasion of an important Hindu festival in the city.
Opposition parties have criticized the government for a major security lapse. The state government has promised a comprehensive investigation.
Although two people have been arrested on suspicion, the motive is not clear. Police are looking for a third suspect.
Some Indian media reported that the suspects belonged to a gang run by notorious criminal Lawrence Bishnoi.
Bishnoi is serving a prison sentence for his involvement in several major murder cases, including the murder. Indian Rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022.
The shooting comes weeks after Siddiqui’s security detail was upgraded following death threats.
