Gangster Vijay Palande Seeks Ujjwal Nikam’s Resignation As Special Public Prosecutor, Cites Rajya Sabha Membership ..
By TIN24 Editor AMIT ALHAT
Mumbai, September 12, 2025
Gangster Vijay Palande, facing trial in three murder cases, has asked the sessions court hearing his cases to seek the resignation of Rajya Sabha Member Ujjwal Nikam. Palande claims Nikam continues to appear as special public prosecutor in the cases against him, which he argues violates constitutional mandates.
Palande Challenges Nikam’s Role in Murder Trial
In a petition submitted before the Principal Sessions Judge overseeing the trial, Palande has claimed that Nikam’s recent appointment as a member of the Rajya Sabha disqualifies him from continuing as a special public prosecutor. He argues that the position of special public prosecutor constitutes an “office of profit under the state government,” which is incompatible with Nikam’s parliamentary role.
Claims Violation of Constitutional Mandate
Palande further alleges that Nikam has not yet submitted his resignation from the prosecutor position. “It may be noted that if Ujjwal Nikam seems to be still serving as a Special Public Prosecutor in the present case while being a Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha, this would be a grave violation of the Constitution mandate and will be a one-sided affair,” the petition states.
Upon receiving Palande’s application, the prosecution requested time to file a reply. The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 26.
Background of the Murder Cases
Palande was arrested in April 2012 for the murders of Delhi businessman Arun Tikku and film producer Karankumar Kakkad. Prior to that, he had jumped parole after being convicted in another double murder case and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Palande was subsequently accused in a third murder—that of an unidentified victim—after police recovered a skull and bones. However, Nikam was appointed as special public prosecutor only in the cases involving the murders of Tikku and Kakkad.
Author: The India News 24
TIN24 (The India News 24) The India News 24 (TIN24) is a Mumbai-based news Digital Media focusing on breaking news, local and regional issues in India, with content primarily in Marathi. It was established with an X (Twitter) presence since July 2022. Owner & News Editor: Amit Alhat Education: BA in Mass Communication Journalism (Graduate) Experience: 12 years in journalism Platforms: - Website: https://theindianews24.in - X (Twitter): https://x.com/the_indianews24 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theindianews247 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindianews_24
