39 people were killed when a gunman stormed a popular Istanbul nightclub and sprayed bullets at revellers celebrating New Year.

Two Indians were among the victims of Sunday’s attack in Istanbul. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj made the announcement hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the terror strike.

“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.

According to available information, Abis Rizvi (49) was the son of former Rajya Sabha MP Akhtar Rizvi. The incident comes as a shock to the Rizvi family as in 2010 it had lost Abis’ younger brother Saquib to cancer.

According to family members, Abis 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. Ms. Swaraj also announced that the authorities have arranged for Turkish visas for the relatives of Ms. Shah, the other deceased.

Rizvi builders are one of the top real estate companies in the city, with over 200+ commercial and residential projects in Mumbai and Goa.