Asha Gawli stands as a prominent, if controversial, figure in Mumbai’s political and social scene. Best known as the wife of Arun Gawli—a former underworld don who transitioned into politics—Asha herself has held significant roles in political organizations, trade unions, and community outreach programs. The narrative of her life is deeply interwoven with Mumbai’s history: crime, politics, social work, and family ties all play a part, creating a story that mirrors many facets of urban India.
This article explores the biography of Asha Gawli, her connection to Arun Gawli, the controversies surrounding her, and how public perception has shaped her identity.
Table of Contents
Who Is Asha Gawli?
Asha, formerly known as Zubeida Mujawar, married Arun Gawli, the infamous gangster-turned-politician who founded the Akhil Bharatiya Sena (ABS). As Arun spent significant portions of his life behind bars, Asha managed family responsibilities and, at times, became embroiled in matters that drew the attention of law enforcement agencies.
Who Is Arun Gawai AKA ‘Daddy’?
Arun Gulab Gawli, also known as Arun Gulab Ahir, was born on 17 July 1955, in Kopargaon, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. He rose to prominence as an Indian politician, underworld don, and retired gangster. In the 1970s, Gawli and his brother Kishor entered the Mumbai underworld, joining the criminal gang called the ‘Byculla Company’ led by Rama Naik and Babu Reshim. This gang dominated criminal activities in central Mumbai, including areas like Byculla, Parel, and Saat Rasta. After Rama Naik’s police encounter death in 1988, Gawli assumed leadership and operated from his residence, Dagdi Chawl.
Recent Developments
In September 2025, after serving nearly 18 years in prison for murder, the Supreme Court of India granted Gawli bail. He remains a subject of public fascination as a figure who moved from crime to politics, and his legacy deeply influences the Dagdi Chawl region and Mumbai’s local power structures.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arun Gulab Gawli |
| Nickname | Daddy |
| Born | July 17, 1955, Kopargaon, Maharashtra |
| Underworld Role | Gangster, leader of Byculla Company, rival to Dawood |
| Political Role | Founder, Akhil Bharatiya Sena; MLA from Chinchpokli |
| Key Conviction | Life sentence for Shiv Sena corporator murder (2012) |
| Family | Wife: Asha Gawli; Daughter: Geeta Gawli (politician) |
Arun Gawli’s 2007 Murder Case
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Nature of Crime: Arun Gawli was convicted for orchestrating the murder of Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar, allegedly as part of an organized crime syndicate and political rivalry.
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Charges: He was charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), as well as for murder (IPC 302), conspiracy (IPC 120B), and extortion.
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Outcome: Received life imprisonment in 2012 after being found guilty alongside 10 others; court affirmed his role as the head of an organized crime network. Multiple sentences for murder, organized crime, and extortion were handed out.
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Impact: High-profile case with political, social, and criminal implications at the national level; he spent 17 years in jail until granted bail by the Supreme Court in 2025.
Asha Gawli’s Misappropriation & Conspiracy Charges
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Nature of Crime: Asha faced prosecution for alleged misappropriation of settlement funds belonging to former Globe Auto Electricals employees; charges included cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy.
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Charges: She was accused of misappropriating ₹1.77 crore, signing cheques and being party to decisions that led to funds withdrawal for unintended purposes.
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Outcome: Courts refused her discharge plea and affirmed she was prima facie part of the conspiracy (but not murder); the matter pertains to financial wrongdoings within trade union and political activities.
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Impact: Significant for affected employees and union members, but less severe and less violent than organized murder; case mostly pursued in sessions and magistrate courts, not as a headline national crime.
Early Life and Family Background
Little is publicly documented about Asha’s early life prior to her marriage to Arun Gawli, but her entry into public life began as the wife of one of Mumbai’s most notorious figures. The Gawli family, based in Dagdi Chawl, has maintained a strong presence in the Byculla region of Mumbai for decades—often serving as a point of contact for local communities in need of support, political help, or conflict resolution. Arun and Asha Gawli’s social outreach grew, especially after Arun’s transformation into a politician.
Political Involvement and Leadership
Asha Gawli has been closely associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Sena (ABS), a political party founded by Arun Gawli. She has served as vice-president and played a pivotal role in the operation of ABS’s trade union wing, the Akhil Bharatiya Kamgar Sena (ABKS). Her leadership was instrumental during labor disputes, notably involving Globe Auto Electricals, where ABS represented hundreds of employees in legal battles for unpaid dues. As a grassroots leader, Asha is known for organizing welfare events, championing laborers’ rights, and supporting community health and education initiatives.
Misappropriation Allegations
2004 Assault Case
In 2004, Asha was arrested for assault and wrongful confinement after an alleged incident but was quickly released on bail against a personal bond of ₹5,000. This event marked one of her first high-profile clashes with the law.
2006 Case
In December 2006, she was accused of misappropriating ₹85 lakh from a ₹4 crore fund intended for retrenched workers of a private company. She secured anticipatory bail, but the case dented her public image.
2018 Extortion Allegations
In Pune, shopkeepers accused associates of extorting money in her name, referring to her as “Mummy”. Police booked her in connection with these complaints, although her daughter, Geeta Gawli, publicly defended her, stating that Asha was being framed by vested interests.
2022 Case
In 2022, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) accused her and Arun Gawli of misusing ₹1.77 crore meant for former employees. A special court refused her plea for discharge, keeping the charges active.
Family and Political Connections
Despite controversies, Asha has maintained a public presence through her family:
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Arun Gawli: Serving a life sentence for murder.
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Geeta Gawli: A corporator in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), often defending her mother publicly.
The Gawli family remains active in Mumbai’s local politics, with supporters loyal to the Akhil Bharatiya Sena.
Social Impact and Community Work
The Gawli family’s residence in Dagdi Chawl is a hub for community support and local activism. Asha’s efforts have included not just political lobbying but also direct intervention in people’s lives—providing aid during times of crisis, hosting events for women empowerment, and supporting children’s education. She is respected by many for her responsiveness and advocacy for the marginalized populations of Mumbai.
Controversies and Legal Battles
Asha Gawli’s public image has been overshadowed by several high-profile legal cases. Most notably, she was implicated in the alleged misappropriation of funds intended for former Globe Auto Electricals employees, with accusations of criminal conspiracy involving the distribution of ₹1.77 crore to 469 workers as ordered by courts. She has faced repeated investigations by Mumbai’s Economic Offence Wing and has defended her role as only administrative—claiming expenses and litigation costs were consensually deducted. Other cases include extortion allegations in Pune, in which she was granted anticipatory bail while maintaining the accusations were fabricated or politically motivated.
Despite these challenges, Asha has been tenacious, often appearing in court to fight charges, appealing verdicts, and defending her family’s legacy.
Family Legacy and Influence
The Gawli family remains influential in Mumbai, especially in Byculla and other central regions. Asha’s daughter, Geeta Gawli, is an active local corporator and social worker, continuing the family’s tradition of community engagement. Despite Arun Gawli’s imprisonment for murder, the family is still respected by many for their intervention in local disputes, charitable work, and support for the needy. Asha is often referred to as “Mummy” by family loyalists—a sign of her matriarchal influence.
Major Legal Events (2006-2022)
2006: FIR for Fund Misappropriation
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In December 2006, Mumbai Police registered a case against Asha Gawli, Arun Gawli, and other members of the Akhil Bharatiya Sena and its trade union wing (ABKS).
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They were accused of misappropriating ₹1.77 crore, funds meant for 469 former employees of Globe Auto Electricals, as per Bombay High Court orders.
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The funds were to be distributed by ABKS but allegedly diverted, triggering charges including cheating, forgery, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy under IPC.
2007–2017: Investigation and Charge Framing
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Continued investigation by the Mumbai Economic Offences Wing (EOW) revealed Asha was signatory to multiple cheques through which money was withdrawn and reportedly siphoned.
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The magistrate’s court initially rejected Asha’s plea for discharge from the case. She contended that her involvement was administrative and that employee expenses were consensually deducted.
2017: Appeal Against Charge Framing
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Asha filed a revision appeal in sessions court against the magistrate’s rejection of her discharge request, again arguing lack of direct evidence and withdrawal of complaints by employees.
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The EOW countered that her signatures and cheque endorsements constituted direct involvement in the alleged conspiracy.
2022: Sessions Court Affirms Prima Facie Case
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In September 2022, the sessions court rejected Asha’s appeal for discharge, ruling there was enough material to frame charges.
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The court observed her role as cheque signatory, evidence of conspiracy, and failure to ensure funds were distributed for the intended purpose.
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The judgment stated: “Accused No.2 [Asha Gawli] is privy to the conspiracy as she is signatory to those cheques along with accused No.1 and the amount cited in the cheque is siphoned without the purpose for which it is expected to be used”
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Asha’s reputation is polarized—admired by those benefitting from her social work and political advocacy, but subject to criticism due to her proximity to crime and repeated brushes with the law. Media coverage often highlights the contrast between her roles as a lawmaker and as a defendant in criminal cases.
Conclusion
The life of Asha Gawli reflects the complexity of being married to a man like Arun Gawli — a figure who straddled both the criminal underworld and the political stage. While she has largely stayed out of the limelight, her repeated involvement in legal controversies has kept her in public discourse.
Her story is not just about one individual but about how families of powerful underworld figures navigate public scrutiny, politics, and the law in modern India.
FAQs About Asha Gawli
Q1: Who is Asha Gawli?
Asha Gawli, formerly Zubeida Mujawar, is the wife of gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli.
Q2: Has Asha Gawli been involved in politics?
Not directly. While her husband and daughter are politically active, her name surfaces mostly in connection with legal controversies.
Q3: What are the major cases against Asha Gawli?
She has faced cases related to assault, misappropriation of funds, and extortion allegations.
Q4: Does Asha Gawli hold any official political position?
No, she has not held any formal political office.
Q5: How is Asha Gawli perceived by the public?
>>>>>>>>>Her image is mixed — some view her as a political spouse caught in controversies, while others associate her closely with her husband’s underworld legacy.