Accused in Gauri Lankesh murder case wins civic poll in Maharashtra

Mumbai :Shrikant Pangarkar, a key accused in the murder case of journalist Gauri Lankesh, has won the Jalna Municipal Corporation election in Maharashtra, contesting as an independent candidate from Ward No. 13. The victory has triggered widespread debate and criticism, given Pangarkar’s alleged role in one of India’s most high-profile attacks on press freedom.

Pangarkar was named as an accused in the murder of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead outside her residence in Bengaluru on September 5, 2017. The case, which sent shockwaves across the country, has been investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and remains a symbol of growing concerns over the safety of journalists in India.

Despite the serious charges against him, Pangarkar entered the electoral fray in the Jalna civic polls held on January 15. He contested as an independent candidate after the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena did not field a candidate in the ward. The election results were declared on Thursday, confirming Pangarkar’s victory.

Soon after the results were announced, Pangarkar’s supporters celebrated his win with drums, dancing and the showering of flowers. A video of the celebrations, shared by news agency PTI, showed Pangarkar participating in the festivities, drawing sharp reactions on social media and from sections of civil society.

Pangarkar was granted bail by the Karnataka High Court on September 4, 2024, a development that enabled him to contest the municipal elections. While bail does not amount to acquittal, critics argue that his electoral success highlights troubling questions about political accountability and public perception in cases involving serious criminal allegations.

Legal experts point out that Indian law allows individuals facing criminal cases to contest elections unless they have been convicted. However, activists and journalist unions have expressed concern that the victory of an accused in a journalist’s murder case could send a chilling message about impunity and the erosion of moral standards in public life.

The Gauri Lankesh murder case continues to be closely followed by media organisations, rights groups and the victim’s supporters, who have consistently demanded swift justice and accountability. Lankesh was known for her outspoken criticism of right-wing extremism and her advocacy for rationalism and social justice.

Pangarkar’s entry into electoral politics and his subsequent victory are now expected to add a new layer of controversy to an already sensitive case. Observers note that the outcome reflects a larger national debate on criminalisation of politics, where individuals facing grave allegations increasingly find space in electoral contests.

As the legal proceedings in the Gauri Lankesh murder case continue, Pangarkar’s political rise is likely to remain under scrutiny, both in courtrooms and in the court of public opinion.