Baba Siddique: Indian politician with ties to Bollywood stars shot dead in Mumbai | World News

An Indian politician who had close ties to Bollywood stars has been shot dead in Mumbai weeks before a state election.

Baba Siddique, who was known for throwing lavish parties, was shot multiple times outside his son’s office in the country’s financial capital on Saturday evening, police said.

The 66-year-old was taken to Lilavati Hospital but could not be saved.

Two suspected attackers have been arrested while police are searching for another, Indian news agency Press Trust reported.

Two suspects claimed they were part of a criminal gang that had committed several murders in the past, television channel NDTV said.

While Mr Siddique has been associated with the Indian National Congress Party for decades, he joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in February this year.

He served as a member of the Maharashtra State Legislative Assembly for three consecutive terms from 1999.

He also served as a minister.

Elections are scheduled to take place in Maharashtra next month.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the killing of his NCP colleague would be “thoroughly investigated” and “strict action” would be taken against the attackers.

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Mr Pawar said five teams had been sent to different states to investigate Mr Siddique’s murder, The Times of India reported.

A state funeral will reportedly be held for him.