Corporator murder trial begins

The trial against gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli and 13 others, accused of murdering Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandikar, began on Tuesday with the first witness deposing in the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court.

The trial against gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli and 13 others, accused of murdering Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandikar, began on Tuesday with the first witness deposing in the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court.

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Jamsandikar was killed in March 2008 at his Ghatkopar home.

The police alleged that the contract to kill Jamsandikar was given by Sahebrao Bhintade and Bala Surve, Jamsandikar’s rivals in the construction business as well as in local politics.

The prosecution claimed Gawli plotted the murder along with the other accused. Gawli was the one, said the prosecution, who issued the order to kill Jamsandikar. The charge sheet said Gawli was paid Rs 30 lakh for the killing.

Gawli was arrested on May 21 that year and has been in custody since then.

The court had on October 7 framed charges against Gawli and the others under the stringent MCOCA. All the accused pleaded innocent.

Last month, while rejecting Gawli’s bail, the Supreme Court directed the special court to expedite the trial. Gawli can apply for bail only if the trial is not complete in six months.