Underworld don turned politician Arun Gawli was released from Nagpur Central Jail in Maharashtra on Wednesday, following the Supreme Court's order to grant him bail in a 2007 murder case. Gawli had spent more than 17 years in prison, reported the PTI.

The 76-year-old, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar, was granted bail by a bench of Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh, who observed that he had already served a lengthy period in custody and that his appeal was still pending before the court.

“After completing all formalities required by the prisons department, Arun Gawli was released from jail at around 12:30 p.m.,” an official confirmed. He was received by family members, legal representatives, and supporters outside the jail, according to the PTI.