Team Herald
BENGALURU: A pall of gloom descended on Goa, as former Ponda MLA Lavoo Mamledar died shortly after an altercation with an auto driver, in Karnataka’s Belagavi district on Saturday. He
was 68.
Mamledar leaves behind his wife Shanti and two daughters.
It is learnt that he had gone to Belagavi and was residing in Hotel Srinivas Residency near Khade Bazaar.
The reason behind the former Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) legislator’s death could not be immediately ascertained. However the police said the driver identified as 28-year-old Mujaheed Shakeel Jamadar of Belagavi has been arrested.
Sources said the altercation between Mamledar and Jamadar occurred after the former’s vehicle reportedly bumped into the auto near Srinivas Residency Hotel at around 1.30 pm.
Visuals of the incident captured on CCTV showed Mamledar and the driver locked in an argument, which later took a violent turn.
Mamledar slapped the Jamadar with the latter hitting the former in return. The people around the duo intervened and tried to push the driver away, but he again slapped and later assaulted the former legislator. More people stepped in and defused the situation. Mamledar later went inside the hotel.
CCTV visuals from inside the hotel showed Mamledar going up the stairs when he suddenly collapsed on the hotel premises.
He was rushed to the emergency ward of the Belagavi District Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
A medico-legal case was registered. According to the Belagavi DCP (Law and Order) Rohan Jagdish, an echocardiogram (ECG) and other tests were conducted by the doctors on Mamledar, but he was later declared dead. The accused was arrested by the local police and was interrogated. The rickshaw was also attached by the police. A murder case has been registered against Jamadar by the Market Police Station.
According to DCP Jagdish, since the death occurred within a few seconds after the assault, it looked like an impact of the assault and therefore a case of murder was registered. At the same time he added that the police will establish the facts after the post mortem examination report.
The post mortem was conducted after Mamledar’s daughter Akshata rushed to Belagavi and filed a police complaint.
The authorities are also probing the exact cause of death and whether he had underlying health conditions.
The hotel’s bar manager informed that the former legislator used to visit the hotel every month.
When contacted by O Heraldo, Goa Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar said, “We are closely coordinating with our counterparts in Belagavi for a thorough investigation and to hand over the Mamledar’s body to his family following autopsy.”
Mamledar’s body was brought back to Goa after conducting the postmortem in Belgaum. The post mortem report will pinpoint the actual cause of reason.
Mamledar’s family drove to Belgaum this evening. The last rites will be held on Sunday at 12.30 pm at the local crematorium.
Expressing his condolences on Mamledar’s demise, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that Goa administration is in touch with their counterparts in Belgaum to ensure justice to Mamledar and the culprit is brought to book.
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. The State administration is in close coordination with the local authorities in Belagavi to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and to bring those responsible to justice. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May the departed soul attain Sadgati. Om Shanti.”
Condoling the death of the former police officer,the Goa Police post on its official account on X reads: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Lavoo Mamledar, former MLA of Ponda and a distinguished officer of Goa Police. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and well-wishers in this difficult time. Om Shanti.”
“Deeply saddened by the passing away of former MLA and INC Goa candidate Lavoo Mamledar. Heartfelt condolences to his family, members and friends. May God give them the strength to bear this loss and may his soul rest in peace,” said Amit Patkar, GPCC President.
“Lavoo Mamledar was my school friend. Our connection is from school to University. We were very good friends. May his soul get eternal peace,” said Sudin Dhavalikar, Power Minister.
“Though we had political differences with Lavoo, we had a very strong friendship. Tributes to the departed soul,” said Deepak Dhavalikar, MGP president.
Expressing grief, Ponda MLA and Minister Ravi Naik said, “Lavoo Mamledar's performance as Police officer and MLA was excellent.”
Social activist Viraj Sapre said, “Lavoo could not get much opportunity in politics, but was a dashing former police officer.”
According to Naresh Naik, “Lavoo Mamledar was vociferous on various issues affecting his constituency and never left any opportunity to criticise the government.”