Developer seeks Euthanasia, alleges political pressure in firing case

THANE: An Ambernath-based developer, whose office was targeted in a firing incident last year, has written to the President of India seeking permission for euthanasia, alleging that the police have failed to properly investigate the case and are shielding a BJP MLA whose name surfaced in allegations made by jailed gangster Ejaz Lakdawala.

Builder Vishwanath Panvelkar (72), in his letter, claimed that despite the firing outside his office in April 2025 and subsequent allegations made by Lakdawala from jail, there has been no meaningful progress in the probe. Panvelkar alleged that he and his family continue to face threats to their lives and are living under constant fear and mental harassment.

Panvelkar further alleged that the police have neither taken stringent action in the case nor provided security to his family due to political pressure. He accused BJP MLA Kisan Kathore of deliberately creating hurdles in his business activities and using influence to harass him over a land dispute near Badlapur railway station.

The matter drew fresh attention last month after Lakdawala, in a letter addressed to the Thane Police from jail, claimed that he had been approached with a contract to eliminate Panvelkar. According to the gangster’s letter, three associates allegedly linked to Kathore met him on court premises and offered him money to carry out the killing. Lakdawala also claimed that the alleged conspiracy was connected to the ongoing land dispute involving the developer.

Lakdawala in letter has also expressed willingness to record a formal statement in the matter, subject to court permission.

In his communication to the President, Panvelkar referred to Lakdawala’s claims and questioned why no strong action had been initiated despite such serious allegations. Stating that the continued fear, pressure and mental stress had become unbearable, he sought permission for euthanasia for himself and his family.

Earlier, after Lakdawala’s letter first surfaced, Panvelkar had addressed a press conference demanding that police take cognisance of the gangster’s allegations and initiate action.

Reacting to the latest allegations, Kathore denied all charges and said Panvelkar is making false accusations to defame him. He declined to comment further, saying he would respond “at the appropriate time”.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Shailesh Kale said, “The case is under investigation and the crime branch is probing the matter.”

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