Indian politician Baba Siddique was shot dead in Mumbai.

An Indian politician, Baba Siddique, has been shot dead in Mumbai, the country's commercial hub. The attack occurred near his son’s office, according to local media reports. Siddique, aged 66 and a former local minister, was a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, which is gearing up for legislative elections next month.

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder. In February, Siddique switched his allegiance from Congress, the main opposition party, to the regional National Congress Party (NCP), which is part of the ruling coalition with the BJP.

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's deputy chief minister and a member of Siddique's party, expressed his shock at the "cowardly attack." Siddique was well-known for hosting lavish parties and maintaining close relationships with Bollywood celebrities.

The shooting took place amid heightened security due to a major Hindu festival in the city. Opposition parties have criticized the government for a significant lapse in security, prompting the state government to promise a thorough investigation.

While two suspects have been detained, the motive for the attack remains unclear, and police are searching for a third suspect. Some reports suggest that the suspects are linked to a gang led by notorious criminal Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated for several high-profile murders, including that of Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022.

This incident follows an upgrade to Siddique’s security detail after he received death threats.