Thakiyudeen Wahid

Thakiyudeen Abdul Wahid (also known informally as "Thaki") was a leading Indian entrepreneur and aviator. He was the Managing Director of the now-defunct East-West Airlines (India). A Muslim, he was one of few well-known Muslim entrepreneurs in India along with the Allanas, Khorakiwalas and Hamieds. Under his mantle, East-West Airlines was the leading domestic air carriers in India. However, the airline fell into bad times and wound up operations after Mr. Wahid was assassinated outside his office in Bombay in 1995. Noted Bangkok-based Indian gangster, Chhota Rajan claimed responsibility for the killing. Wahid was shot dead by a group of 6 gunmen right outside his Bandra office. The gunmen broke the window of his Mercedes with a hammer and then riddled him with over 30 bullets. His driver, although seriously injured, still managed to drive him to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He was born at a coastal village called Odayam in Edava panchayat in the South Indian state of Kerala.

Thakiyudeen Wahid was well known in social circles in India's commercial capital of Bombay as well as the Middle East regions of Bahrain, Oman & Dubai. With the aid of his brothers and several close friends and associates in the Middle East, he built East West into one of India's most formidable airlines. The East-West Group is now looked after by Mr Wahid's brothers, Thahakutty Wahid, Nasiruddin Wahid and Faisal Wahid, who are based in Bahrain & India respectively.