Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Gauri Lankesh Murder Accused Runs in Maharashtra Polls
A man named Shrikant Pangarkar, who is accused of killing a journalist named Gauri Lankesh, is running for office in a local election in Maharashtra.
He is running as an independent candidate in a place called Jalna.
He was once part of a political party called Shiv Sena but had to leave.
He was also arrested before for having bombs and weapons.
A court let him out on bail recently, and now he is trying to get elected.
Many people are surprised he can run for office while still being accused of a serious crime.
Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case, is contesting the Jalna Municipal Corporation polls as an independent candidate.
Pangarkar is running in Ward 13, facing opponents from the BJP and other parties.
He previously joined the Shiv Sena but his induction was put on hold after public outcry.
Pangarkar was arrested in 2018 for possession of bombs and weapons under various acts including UAPA.
He was granted bail by the Karnataka High Court on September 4, 2024, in the Gauri Lankesh murder case.
- Who
- Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case
- What
- Contesting the Jalna Municipal Corporation polls as an independent candidate
- When
- January 15
- Where
- Jalna, Maharashtra
- Why
- To participate in local politics despite being an accused in a high-profile murder case
- Accused
- Shrikant Pangarkar
- Poll Date
- January 15
- Location
- Jalna Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra
- Ward
- Ward 13
- Previous Political Affiliation
- Shiv Sena, Hindu Janjagruti Samiti
- Arrest Details
- August 2018 by Maharashtra ATS for bomb and weapon seizure
- Bail Grant Date
- September 4, 2024
- Murder Date
- September 5, 2017
Sources
Gauri Lankesh murder case accused contesting Maha civic poll
Gauri Lankesh murder accused contesting Maha civic polls
Gauri Lankesh Murder Accused To Contest Maharashtra Civic Polls
Gauri Lankesh accused Pangarkar to contest in Jalna civic polls
