Indian politician Baba Siddique was shot and killed in Mumbai, near the office of his son, who is also a politician.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack, BBC reported.
Baba Siddique, a former minister and a key figure in Maharashtra state politics, had recently switched from the Congress party to the regional National Congress Party (NCP), which is part of the ruling BJP coalition.
Maharashtra's deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, a member of Siddique's party, condemned the "cowardly attack."
Known for his lavish parties and Bollywood connections, Siddique was shot despite heightened security in the city due to a major Hindu festival.
Opposition parties have blamed the government for a serious security lapse, while the state has pledged a full investigation.
Though two suspects are in custody, the motive remains unclear, and police are searching for a third suspect.
Some reports suggest the gunmen may be linked to a gang led by infamous criminal Lawrence Bishnoi, currently imprisoned for several murders, including that of rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022.
The attack occurred just weeks after Baba Siddique's security was boosted following death threats.
bd-pratidin/GR
