HC rejects Arun Gawli’s discharge plea

MUMBAI, April 2: Gangster Arun Gawli’s petition for discharge in the Natwarlal Desai murder case was dismissed by the Bombay High Court today. The order came on an appeal challenging the Session Court’s rejection of his bail application.

Gawli claims he is being falsely implicated by the police at the behest of the Maharashtra government. But Justice S S Niijjar turning down Gawli’s appeal said the gangster’s arrest is justified on prima facie suspicion. He said the issue of political rivalry is irrelevant at this juncture of framing of charges. Evidence will have to be examined to find out if prima facie a case can be made out against Gawli and if sufficient evidence exists to prosecute the accused.

The prosecution’s case is that Desai was shot dead by two unidentified assailants allegedly belonging to the Arun Gawli gang.