Sangli, Maharashtra: Former MLA and wrestler Sambhaji Pawar died in Maharashtra's Sangli on Sunday night after a prolonged illness, his family said on Monday. He was 80.
Known as "bijli malla" in the wrestling arena, Sambhaji Pawar, a four-time MLA, was the former state president of Janata Dal, and had defeated heavyweight Vishnudada Patil in 1986.
He won an Assembly election in 2009 on a BJP ticket.
Sambhaji Pawar is survived by his wife and two sons. The last rites were performed in Sangli, family members added.