Arun Gawli, one of Mumbai’s most notorious gangsters-turned-politicians, has been a polarizing figure in India’s criminal and political history. Known as the “Daddy” of the Mumbai underworld, Gawli’s life has been marked by crime, incarceration, and a brief stint in politics as the founder of the Akhil Bharatiya Sena (ABS). In 2025, Gawli made headlines again with his release from Nagpur Central Jail on September 3, 2025, after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in a high-profile 2007 murder case. This release, after over 17 years of imprisonment, marks a significant chapter in his tumultuous journey. The latest developments surrounding Gawli, including his bail, acquittal in a 2005 extortion case, and the ongoing political ambitions of his daughter Geeta Gawli, have reignited public interest in his legacy. This article explores the latest news on Arun Gawli, delving into his recent legal victories, personal milestones, and the broader implications for Mumbai’s socio-political landscape, as of September 4, 2025.
Background: The Rise of Arun Gawli
Born on July 17, 1955, in Kopargaon, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, Arun Gulab Gawli, also known as Arun Gulab Ahir, rose from humble beginnings to become a feared underworld don in the 1970s and 1980s. Gawli’s early career saw him working at factories like Simplex Mills and Crompton Greaves before joining the Byculla Company, a criminal gang led by Rama Naik and Babu Reshim, operating in central Mumbai’s Byculla, Parel, and Saat Rasta areas, as detailed on en.wikipedia.org. After Naik’s death in a 1988 police encounter, Gawli took control of the gang, operating from his stronghold in Dagdi Chawl, Byculla. His gang engaged in extortion, contract killings, and a violent turf war with Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company, cementing his reputation as a formidable figure.
Gawli’s foray into politics began in the 1990s, leveraging his local influence to form the Akhil Bharatiya Sena in 1997. He gained political patronage from Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who referred to Hindu gangsters like Gawli as “amchi mulgey” (our boys). In 2004, Gawli was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Mumbai’s Chinchpokli constituency, capitalizing on his “native Marathi” identity. However, his political career was marred by legal troubles, culminating in his 2008 arrest for the murder of Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar, for which he was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2012 under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Supreme Court Grants Bail: A Turning Point
On September 3, 2025, Arun Gawli walked out of Nagpur Central Jail after 17 years of incarceration, following a Supreme Court decision granting him bail in the 2007 murder case of Kamlakar Jamsandekar. The bench, comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and N. Kotiswar Singh, noted Gawli’s prolonged imprisonment and the pendency of his appeal, as reported by Hindustan Times. Gawli, aged 76, was released around 12:30 pm, welcomed by family, supporters, and his lawyer, Mir Nagman Ali. His return to Dagdi Chawl was marked by a grand celebration, with supporters showering flowers and distributing sweets, as per ndtv.com. The bail was subject to conditions set by the trial court, reflecting a cautious approach by the judiciary given Gawli’s criminal history.
This development followed a rollercoaster of legal battles. In April 2024, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court had approved Gawli’s premature release under a 2006 remission policy for aged and infirm prisoners, citing his age (71 at the time) and health issues, including heart disease and lung defects. However, the Supreme Court stayed this order on June 3, 2024, and reaffirmed the stay on July 31, 2024, humorously quoting the iconic “Sholay” dialogue, “So ja beta, nahi toh Gabbar aa jayega,” to underscore Gawli’s notorious reputation, as noted by The Hindu. The Maharashtra government opposed his early release, citing his involvement in over 46 cases, including 10 murders, and the stringent MCOCA provisions requiring 40 years of imprisonment for remission. The eventual bail grant in 2025 was a significant victory for Gawli, marking his return to freedom after nearly two decades.
Acquittal in 2005 Extortion Case
In another major legal win, a special MCOCA court in Mumbai acquitted Gawli and six others on May 15, 2025, in a 2005 extortion case involving a Dadar-based builder. The court, led by Special Judge BD Shelke, cited a lack of cogent evidence, noting that the prime witness denied being threatened and claimed to have made “donations” voluntarily, contradicting his initial complaint, as reported by Hindustan Times. The judge highlighted flaws in the investigation, including the failure to collect call data records and CCTV footage, and the complainant’s inability to identify Gawli’s brother, Vijay Ahir, a co-accused. This acquittal cleared Gawli of all pending trials, leaving his 2007 murder conviction as the primary legal hurdle, now mitigated by his bail.
Political Ambitions and Family Legacy
Gawli’s release has sparked speculation about his political comeback, particularly through his daughter, Geeta Gawli, a former ABS corporator. In November 2024, Gawli sought a 28-day furlough from the Bombay High Court to attend the Maharashtra assembly elections, but his application was denied due to concerns about his influence, especially with Geeta reportedly in talks with Shiv Sena (UBT) to contest from Byculla, as per Hindustan Times. Geeta, who narrowly lost the 2014 election to AIMIM’s Waris Pathan, is seen as a potential candidate to revive the ABS’s political fortunes. Her candidacy aligns with Shiv Sena (UBT)’s strategy to counter the Shinde faction’s dominance in Byculla, where incumbent MLA Yamini Jadhav is aligned with Eknath Shinde.
Gawli’s family has long been intertwined with his political and criminal legacy. His wife, Asha Gawli (formerly Zubeida Mujawar), served as an MLA, and his nephew, Sachin Ahir, was a Maharashtra Minister of State for Housing before joining Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party, distancing himself from Gawli. The redevelopment of Dagdi Chawl, once Gawli’s criminal fortress, into two 40-storey residential towers, announced in 2024, symbolizes a shift in the area’s identity, as reported by NDTV. Gawli’s release has reignited debates about his influence in Byculla, a neighborhood synonymous with his rise to power.
Health and Personal Milestones
Gawli’s health has been a recurring theme in his legal battles. His counsel, Nitya Ramakrishnan, argued for his release citing heart disease and lung issues, exacerbated by 40 years of smoking, as noted by The Hindu. In 2020, Gawli tested positive for COVID-19 in Nagpur Jail, highlighting the risks faced by elderly prisoners. Despite these challenges, Gawli demonstrated intellectual resilience by topping an exam on Gandhian thoughts in 2018, scoring 92.5%, as per The Economic Times. This achievement, conducted at Nagpur Central Jail, added a unique dimension to his public image, contrasting his criminal past with a pursuit of reformist ideals.
Gawli’s personal life also garnered attention during his incarceration. In 2015, he was granted parole to attend his son Mahesh’s wedding, and in 2018, he was released briefly for his mother Laxmi Gulab Gawli’s funeral, as documented by Getty Images. These moments humanized Gawli, presenting him as a family man amidst his notorious reputation.
Public and Cultural Impact
Gawli’s life has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The 2017 film Daddy, starring Arjun Rampal as Gawli, chronicled his journey from a factory worker to an underworld don, receiving mixed reviews but drawing significant attention, as noted by NDTV. The movie, produced with input from Gawli’s family, highlighted his rivalry with Dawood Ibrahim and his political ascent. Posts on X reflect ongoing fascination with Gawli, with users like @news18 discussing his release as a “new chapter” in Mumbai’s underworld history. However, others express skepticism, citing his criminal past and the “Gabbar” moniker used by the Supreme Court.
The redevelopment of Dagdi Chawl into modern skyscrapers has sparked discussions about erasing Mumbai’s underworld legacy. Once a hub of criminal activity, the chawl’s transformation, as reported by ABPLive, symbolizes urban renewal but also raises questions about gentrification and displacement of long-time residents. Gawli’s return to this changing landscape underscores the tension between his past and Mumbai’s evolving identity.
Legal and Social Implications
Gawli’s release and acquittal have broader implications for India’s criminal justice system. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail reflects a balance between humanitarian considerations—Gawli’s age and health—and public safety concerns, given his extensive criminal record. The MCOCA, designed to curb organized crime, imposes stringent conditions, yet Gawli’s legal victories highlight the complexities of applying such laws to aging convicts. The Bombay High Court’s initial approval of his premature release under the 2006 remission policy sparked debate about whether notorious figures should benefit from such provisions, as noted by India Today.
Socially, Gawli’s release has polarized opinions. Supporters in Byculla view him as a local hero who challenged non-Marathi gangsters like Dawood Ibrahim, while critics see his freedom as a potential threat to law and order. The Maharashtra government’s opposition to his release, citing his influence, underscores the challenge of reintegrating high-profile convicts. Geeta Gawli’s political ambitions could further complicate this dynamic, potentially reviving the ABS’s influence in Mumbai’s political landscape.
Future Prospects
As Gawli settles back into Dagdi Chawl, questions linger about his next steps. At 76, his health may limit active involvement in politics or crime, but his symbolic presence remains potent. The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on November 20, 2025, to review his appeal against the 2007 murder conviction, which could determine whether he remains free or faces further legal battles, as per The Hindu. Geeta Gawli’s potential candidacy in Byculla, backed by Shiv Sena (UBT), suggests that the Gawli family’s political legacy is far from over.
The CBIC’s role in overseeing MCOCA-related cases, as seen in Gawli’s acquittal, highlights the agency’s influence in high-profile prosecutions. The board’s ongoing efforts to combat organized crime through the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) will likely keep figures like Gawli under scrutiny, even post-release. Meanwhile, the transformation of Dagdi Chawl into a modern residential complex signals a broader shift in Mumbai’s urban and social fabric, potentially diminishing the underworld’s historical strongholds.
Conclusion
Arun Gawli’s release on September 3, 2025, after 17 years in prison marks a dramatic turn in the life of one of Mumbai’s most infamous figures. His bail in the 2007 murder case, acquittal in a 2005 extortion case, and the political aspirations of his daughter Geeta Gawli have thrust him back into the spotlight. From his rise as an underworld don in Dagdi Chawl to his brief stint as an MLA, Gawli’s journey reflects the complex interplay of crime, politics, and redemption in India. While his release has sparked celebration among supporters, it also raises questions about justice, rehabilitation, and the legacy of Mumbai’s underworld. As Gawli navigates his newfound freedom, his story continues to captivate, serving as a reminder of a bygone era and the challenges of moving forward in a rapidly changing city.
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