He was also booked under the Explosives Act, the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). All major parties fielded candidates against Pangarkar except the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Pangarkar had previously represented the Shiv Sena in the municipal body. After securing bail, he rejoined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, but his membership was kept in abeyance following a public outcry. Rationalist social media influencer Ashok Dadhwal posted on X: “An accused in Gauri Lankesh’s murder wins an election and celebrates openly.

Source: The Telegraph January 17, 2026 06:40 UTC