Gauri Lankesh Murder Case Accused Shrikant Pangarkar to Contest Jalna Civic Polls as Independent
Jalna | Correspondent
Shrikant Pangarkar, one of the accused in the 2017 murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, has entered the electoral fray in the upcoming Jalna Municipal Corporation elections. Pangarkar is contesting as an independent candidate from Ward No. 13, drawing widespread attention due to the serious criminal cases pending against him.
The Jalna civic polls are scheduled to be held later this month. Pangarkar will face candidates from major political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), making the contest in Ward No. 13 politically significant.
Background of Criminal Cases
Pangarkar was arrested in 2018 by a Special Investigation Team of the Karnataka Police in connection with the murder of Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead outside her residence in Bengaluru in September 2017. The killing had sparked nationwide outrage and debate over press freedom and ideological violence.
He was later granted bail by the Karnataka High Court in 2024. The case is still under trial.
Apart from the Lankesh murder case, Pangarkar was also arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in the Nallasopara arms haul case, in which weapons, ammunition and explosives were seized. He was booked under multiple stringent laws and was lodged at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail before being released on bail.
Political Journey
Pangarkar has a long association with Jalna’s local politics. He served as a municipal councillor of the undivided Shiv Sena from 2001 to 2006. After being denied a party ticket in the 2011 civic elections, he distanced himself from the party.
He later joined the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti. Ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Pangarkar briefly joined the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, following strong reactions and controversy, he was removed from the party within a day.
Political Reactions and Debate
Pangarkar’s candidature has reignited the debate on the participation of individuals facing serious criminal charges in electoral politics. While opposition parties have raised ethical concerns, legal experts point out that Indian law permits candidates who are out on bail and not convicted to contest elections.
Political observers believe Ward No. 13 will remain under close watch, as Pangarkar’s entry has added a controversial dimension to the Jalna Municipal Corporation elections.
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