NEW DELHI — A prominent Indian politician with strong ties to Bollywood has been shot and killed in Mumbai, India’s financial hub, weeks before a crucial state election.
Baba Siddique, 66, was fatally shot multiple times outside his son’s office in Mumbai on Saturday evening, according to a police statement. He later succumbed to his injuries at Lilavati Hospital in the city.
Siddique was a longtime member of the Indian National Congress party but recently switched to a regional party that governs Maharashtra state. He was also close to several Bollywood stars and known for hosting extravagant parties.
Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, a member of the same political party as Siddique, expressed shock at the killing.
“The incident will be thoroughly investigated, and strict action will be taken against the attackers. The mastermind behind the attack will also be traced,” Pawar said in a statement.
Press Trust of India, a news agency, reported that two suspects have been apprehended, and police are searching for another.
Broadcaster NDTV reported that the two suspects claimed to be part of a criminal gang that has carried out several killings in the past.
Elections in Maharashtra state are scheduled to be held in November.