Gawli accuses Patil for arrest; demands protection

MUMBAI: Accusing Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil of being behind for his arrest, Akhil Bharatiya Sena MLA Arun Gawli on Sunday alleged that he had been arrested to sabotage his campaigning for the upcoming civic elections.

"The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai elections are coming up and I began campaigning just two days ago. This was done to sabotage my campaign," Gawli told reporters at his residence at Dagdi chawli in Central Mumbai.

Gawli, a gangster-turned-politician, who was arrested yesterday by the police on the charges of misappropriation of funds meant for members his union, was granted bail by a city court on Sunday.

"This is a conspiracy by Patil who is still upset about the fact that I defeated their candidate during the last elections," Gawli, the sitting MLA from Chinchpokli said.

Police "were forced to follow the orders of their political masters," he said, adding "The IPS lobby is against me but they are forced into this position by Patil and so I don't blame them".

The legislator said he paid all the union members their dues and was innocent.

He also demanded police protection for himself and claimed that he was not being granted it despite his life being in danger.

"I had raised the issue during the monsoon session of the Assembly as well but even the Opposition did not support me, something which I am very disappointed about," Gawli said.