Mumbai: Former underworld don Arun Gawli, who once instilled fear among his adversaries, is today (Apr 26, 2004) worried that the Mumbai Police may eliminate him in encounter.

The don, who is contesting from South-Central Mumbai Parliamentary constituency under the banner of his political outfit Akhil Bharatiya Sena (ABS), has therefore decided not to venture out of his 'Dagdi chawl' residence, not even to cast vote.

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Speaking to reporters at his heavily guarded house in the stone building, Gawli has charged Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar, State Home Minister R R Patil and NCP nominee from the constituency, Sachin Ahir, of "hatching a plan to eliminate me".

"They want to murder me since I am going to win hands down," Gawli said, claiming that rest of the contenders would lose their deposits.

Gawli alleged Mumbai Crime Branch "encounter specialist" inspector Vijay Salakar had specially been deputed at Agripada police station for "this job".

As part of the plan, the Police deliberately arrested ABS corporator Sunil Ghate, Gawli claimed.

Gawli said he has conveyed his apprehension to the returning officer, who has assured to provide more police cover. "But I do not trust Mumbai police," he added.

Meanwhile, additional commissioner (central region), Mumbai, Vinod Lokhande, said Gawli has lodged complaint of threat to life, but said he was not aware if he has mentioned about inspector Salakar in it.

PTI