An Indian politician has been shot dead in the commercial capital, Mumbai.
Gunmen opened fire on Father Siddique, 66, near the office of his son, who is also a politician, according to media reports.
Two people have been arrested in connection with the murder.
Siddique, a former local minister, was a senior political figure in the state of Maharashtra, which is expected to hold legislative elections next month.
In February he defected from India’s opposition Congress and joined the regionally unrelated National Congress Party (NCP), which is part of the ruling BJP coalition.
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who belongs to the same party as Siddique, said he was shocked by the “act of cowardice”.
Siddique was known for lavish parties and close relationships with Bollywood stars.
The shooting took place under high security due to a major Hindu festival in the city.
Opposition groups have criticized the government, saying there is a serious security breach. The state government has promised a thorough investigation.
Although two suspects have been arrested, the motive is unclear. Police are looking for a third suspect.
Some of the Indian media reported that the suspects were from a gang led by the notorious criminal Lawrence Bishnoi.
Bishnoi is currently serving time in prison for his involvement in several high-profile murder cases, including murder. Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022.
The shooting came weeks after Siddique’s security detail was upgraded following death threats.
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