Arun Gawli, once a notorious underworld boss turned politician, walked out of Nagpur Central Jail on Wednesday after nearly 18 years. The Supreme Court granted him bail, ending a long legal battle linked to a high-profile murder case in Mumbai.
Gawli, who is now 73 years old, had been serving a life sentence since 2012. He was convicted by a Mumbai court for his involvement in the 2007 killing of Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar. The court found him guilty of plotting the murder, which was linked to Mumbai’s political rivalries.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant Gawli bail was based on two main reasons: he had already spent 18 years in jail and his age was a factor. The court also noted that Gawli had been behind bars for a significant period, and it was time for him to be released.
Gawli was once a well-known figure in Mumbai’s underworld, earning the nickname ‘Daddy’ of Dagdi Chawl. He later entered politics and was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Byculla constituency in 2004. However, his time in politics was overshadowed by criminal allegations.
The 2007 murder of Kamlakar Jamsandekar outside his home was a major incident. Investigators linked the murder to Gawli’s gang, claiming the crime was ordered by him. This case kept headlines for years until Gawli was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
After his conviction, Gawli was moved to Nagpur Central Jail, where he stayed until his release. His release after nearly two decades is expected to renew discussions about his complex role in Mumbai’s political and criminal history.
For now, the Supreme Court’s decision marks the end of a significant chapter in Mumbai’s crime and politics story, leaving many to wonder what’s next for Arun Gawli.
