Mumbai realtor & film producer Abis Rizvi among 2 Indians killed in Istanbul attack

Abis Rizvi, a Mumbai-based builder and film producer, was among the two Indians killed in the terror attack at an Istanbul nightclub on New Year’s eve. The other has been identified as Khushi Shah, a resident of Gujarat.

At least 39 were killed and over 69 others were injured during an armed attack at a nightclub in Istanbul early Sunday.

According to reports, the suspect, dressed as Santa Claus, forced his way into the new year party being held at the Reina Club and started spraying bullets on revellers post midnight.

Abis (49), son of former Rajya Sabha MP Akthar Hassan Rizvi, was visiting Turkey to celebrate the new year.

Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj made the announcement pertaining to the demise of Indian nationals on her Twitter account.

“I have a bad news from Turkey. We have lost two Indian nationals in the Istanbul attack. Rahul Kulshreshth, Indian ambassador in Turkey, is on his way to Istanbul. The victims are Abis Rizvi, son of a former Rajya Sabha MP, and Khushi Shah from Gujarat. I have asked Mr. Kulshreshth to receive the families at the airport and make all arrangements,” Swaraj said in a series of tweets.

Abis’ father Akhtar Rizvi is the chairman of the Akhtar Rizvi Educational Trust, which manages the Rizvi Education Society and is the founder of renowned Rizvi Builders. He was also elected to the Rajya Sabha as an Independent from Uttar Pradesh in 1998.

Abis held a position of secretary in the governing body of Rizvi Education Society and was the CEO of Rizvi builders, which has several projects across Mumbai and Goa.

He also owned a production house called Abis Rizvi films, which has three films to his credit including ‘Roar: The Tiger of Sundarbans’. He is survived by his son and wife.

Numerous celebrities, political figures and sportspersons have taken to social media to convey their condolences to Abis’ family.