Mumbai
In a development that has triggered widespread reactions, Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in the murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh and the Nalasopara arms and ammunition haul case, has won the Jalna Municipal Corporation (JMC) elections in Maharashtra as an independent candidate.
Pangarkar secured victory from Ward 13 of the JMC. While the BJP contested the seat, the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which fought the elections independently in Jalna, did not field a candidate in this ward. His win has drawn attention due to his legal background and past political associations.
Gauri Lankesh was shot dead outside her Bengaluru residence on September 5, 2017. She was the editor of Lankesh Patrike, founded by her father P Lankesh, and later ran Gauri Lankesh Patrike. Pangarkar was granted bail by the Karnataka High Court in September 2024.
Ahead of the October 2024 Assembly elections, Pangarkar was briefly inducted into the Shiv Sena and appointed campaign in-charge for Jalna, but the move was withdrawn following criticism. He earlier served as a municipal councillor from 2001 to 2006 and later associated with right-wing groups.
Pangarkar was arrested by Maharashtra ATS in 2018 in connection with the Nalasopara explosives case and booked under stringent laws, including the UAPA. He is currently out on bail in both cases. After his victory, his supporters celebrated, while Pangarkar reiterated that the cases against him were unrelated to the elections and maintained his innocence.