Arun Gawli among 12 convicted for killing corporator

Arun Gawli, a small-time millworker who became an underworld don and finally a Member of Legislative Assembly, was on Friday convicted for the 2007 murder of Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar.

Arun Gawli, a small-time millworker who became an underworld don and finally a Member of Legislative Assembly, was on Friday convicted for the 2007 murder of Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar.

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It’s the first time that an underworld gang leader from Mumbai has been convicted, the police said. The court will disclose the quantum of sentence on Monday.

Though Gawli can run his party and field candidates, the verdict will likely stall his political career as a person convicted for two years or more can’t contest polls.

The 60-year-old has been convicted under the MCOCA. Of the 16 persons arrested, the court found 12 guilty. While three were acquitted for lack of evidence, accused, Sadashiv Surve, who was ill, died in judicial custody last month.