Ex-Goa MLA dies shortly after physical altercation with auto driver in Belagavi

The driver allegedly demanded compensation for damage, which Mamledar refused before proceeding towards his hotel, police said.

However, the autorickshaw driver followed him to the hotel and according to eyewitnesses, the auto driver allegedly slapped Mamledar in the hotel’s parking area. As Mamledar attempted to climb the stairs to reach his suite, he collapsed in front of the reception counter. He was rushed to the emergency of the government civil hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Belagavi DCP City Rohan Jagadeesh said that Mamledar was fatally attacked by the autorickshaw driver, identified as Shakeel Sanadi. Jagadish confirmed that the driver has been taken into custody, and an investigation is underway. Authorities are also probing the exact cause of death and whether he had underlying health conditions.

Sanadi was taken to the crime scene for a spot verification by the Market Police, who are investigating the case.

A screengrab from the CCTV footage during the physical altercation. (Express Photo)

Mamledar’s daughter, Akshata Mamledar, an advocate in Goa, arrived in Belagavi on Saturday. She visited the Market Police Station and formally lodged a complaint in connection with her father’s death.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant said the state is coordinating with the local authorities in Belagavi to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident. In a post on X, Sawant said, “Deeply anguished by the untimely and tragic passing of Former MLA Shri Lavoo Mamledar in Belagavi today. His dedicated service to the state, both as an officer of the Goa Police and later as a legislator, will always be remembered with gratitude.”

Mamledar joined Goa police as a sub inspector in 1981 and opted for a voluntary retirement as a deputy SP in 2007. In 2019, Mamledar had filed a police complaint alleging an attempt on his life. He had claimed a car tried to hit him when he was out for a morning walk in Porvorim.

In his condolence message, Goa DGP Alok Kumar said, “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family colleagues and loved ones. The entire police force mourns the loss of our beloved colleague, who will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment, bravery and selflessness.”

Mamledar was elected from South Goa’s Ponda constituency on a Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) ticket in 2012. In 2017 Assembly polls, he contested from Ponda again on an MGP ticket but lost. A strong critic of MGP president Deepak Dhavalikar and his brother and incumbent Marcaim MLA Sudin Dhavalikar, Mamledar was later expelled for anti-party activities. In 2021, he joined the TMC but quit three months later. In January 2022, ahead of Assembly polls in the state, he joined Congress. He contested from Marcaim in 2022 but lost.