Three unidentified assailants on Monday afternoon shot dead two prisoners outside the Mumbai sessions court.

They were killed near the Jehangir Art Gallery, which is about 100 metres from court.

The two, out on bail, were facing trial under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Himanshu Chaudhary, 25, and Amjad Hussain Khan, 40, were supposed to appear before the court for a hearing at 3 pm.

The two were rushed to G T hospital, where doctors declared them dead on arrival.

Some eyewitnesses said the assailants fled on a motorcycle.