An Indian politician has been shot dead in the commercial capital of Mumbai.
According to local media reports, gunmen opened fire on Baba Siddique, 66, near the office of his son, also a politician.
Two people have been arrested in connection with the murder.
Siddique, a former district minister, was a political stalwart in Maharashtra, where assembly polls are scheduled for next month.
In February, he left India’s main opposition party, the Congress, and joined the unaffiliated regional Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is part of the ruling BJP coalition.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, from Siddique’s same party, said he was shocked by the “despicable attack”.
Siddique was known for his lavish parties and close relationships with Bollywood superstars.
The shooting incident occurred amid tight security as a large-scale Hindu festival was being held in the city.
Opposition parties criticize the government for serious security deficiencies. The state government has promised a thorough investigation.
Two suspects were arrested, but a motive has not been determined. Police are searching for a third suspect.
Some Indian media reported that the suspects said they were part of a gang run by notorious criminal Lawrence Bishnoi.
Bishnoi is currently serving a prison sentence for his role in several high-profile murder cases, including that of Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022.
The shooting came weeks after Siddique was under increased security after receiving death threats.
