Arun Gawli Released from Jail After 17 Years in Shiv Sena Leader Murder Case
Arun Gawli released from jail on Wednesday after serving more than 17 years in connection with the murder of Mumbai Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar. The 76-year-old gangster-turned-politician walked out of Nagpur Central Jail around 12:30 pm, following a Supreme Court order granting him bail.
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Supreme Court’s Decision
A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and N. Kotiswar Singh granted bail to the former MLA, noting his advanced age and prolonged incarceration. The judges highlighted that Gawli had already been behind bars for 17 years and three months, while his appeal had remained pending since his conviction.
“Admittedly, the appellant has been under incarceration for 17 years and three months. We also take note of the fact that he is 76 years old,” the bench observed.
The apex court’s order allows his release, subject to conditions laid down by the trial court. The matter is scheduled for final hearing in February next year.
Welcomed Outside Jail
As Gawli stepped out of Nagpur Central Jail, he was greeted by family members, his legal team, and a group of supporters. His release marks a significant development in a case that has drawn public and political attention for nearly two decades.
The Murder Case
The case dates back to 2007, when Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar was shot dead in Mumbai. Police investigations linked the crime to Gawli’s gang. He was booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
In 2006, Gawli and 11 others were arrested. A 138-page chargesheet was filed, and in August 2012, a Mumbai Sessions Court sentenced him to life imprisonment. Along with the life sentence, the court imposed a fine of ₹17 lakh.
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Political Career and Influence
Arun Gawli, widely known by his nickname “Daddy”, rose from the crowded lanes of Dagdi Chawl in Byculla. Once feared in Mumbai’s underworld, he later entered politics by forming the Akhil Bharatiya Sena.
Gawli won the Chinchpokli Assembly seat in 2004 and served as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly until 2009. Despite his political stint, his name remained closely associated with organised crime and multiple criminal cases.
Recent Developments
Earlier this year, in May, Gawli was acquitted by a Mumbai court in a 2008 extortion case, where the prosecution failed to establish charges against him. His release now adds another chapter to his complex journey from underworld don to politician.
What Lies Ahead
With his bail granted, Gawli will now live under the restrictions imposed by the trial court until the Supreme Court delivers a final judgment in 2025. His release is likely to spark renewed debate about the intersection of politics and crime in Maharashtra.
