Two Indian nationals were among those killed in the violent attack at a nightclub in Istanbul.
39 people were killed when a gunman stormed a popular Istanbul nightclub, Reina, on the shores of the Bosporus, on the European side of the city and sprayed bullets at revelers celebrating New Year.
India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted about the attack saying she had some bad news from Turkey.
“I have a bad news from Turkey. We have lost two Indian nationals in the Istanbul attack. Indian Ambassador is on way to Istanbul. The victims are Mr Abis Rizvi, son of a former Rajya Sabha MP, and Ms. Khushi Shah from Gujarat. I have asked Rahul Kulshreshth, Indian Ambassador in Turkey, to receive the families at the airport and make all arrangements,” Ms. Swaraj said in her message.
49-year-old Abis Rizvi was the son of former Rajya Sabha MP Akhtar Rizvi. He was the CEO of Rizvi builders and a film producer too.
The film industry mourned his loss and expressed their condolences on Twitter.
Indian media reported that Mr. Rizvi was on vacation to Turkey to celebrate arrival of New Year.
“His father has gone to Turkey after learning the news, from where more details are awaited,” said a family member.
27-year-old Khushi Shah who worked as a fashion designer in Vadodara was at the nightclub where an attacker armed with a gun and dressed as a Santa killed 39 by spraying them with bullets.
Ms Shah was in Istanbul for business and to usher in the New Year.
Khushi Shah (right) with Indian film superstar Salman Khan
Ms. Swaraj announced that the authorities had arranged for Turkish visas for the relatives of Ms. Shah, the other deceased.
Ms. Shah’s brother Akshay and a cousin were granted visas to travel to Turkey to get Khushi’s mortal remains to India.
