Gangster-Turned-Politician Arun Gawli Released from Jail After 17 Years
Nagpur/Mumbai, 4th September 2025: Arun Gawli, the 76-year-old gangster-turned-politician, was released from Nagpur Central Jail on Wednesday after the Supreme Court last week granted him bail in a 2007 murder case for which he had been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Gawli, a prominent figure in Byculla’s Dagdi Chawl area, returned home to a warm welcome from his supporters. Residents showered him with flowers upon his arrival at his residence late at night, though he did not stop to address the crowd.
Gawli’s daughter and former BMC corporator, Geeta Gawli, expressed happiness over the timing of his return. “We are truly blessed that Daddy is finally back home, and that too during the festive season,” she said.
Excited residents said they are looking forward to his participation in the compound’s grand Navratri celebrations scheduled for September 22, though police had barred them from bursting firecrackers.
The release was carried out under strict security. Nagpur police and prison staff, along with ATS personnel and intelligence units, ensured a smooth and secure transfer. Gawli was taken to Nagpur airport under heavy escort, arriving three hours ahead of his Mumbai-bound flight.
Intelligence officials cited potential threats from Dawood Ibrahim’s network as the reason for the heightened precautions.
Speaking briefly, the former Chinchpokli MLA said he wished to reconnect with his family.
