Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 20: A special CBI court in Mumbai on Saturday acquitted all accused in the 2006 murder case of Maharashtra Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar, bringing an end to a trial that continued for more than two decades.
Nimbalkar, 41, and his driver Samad Kazi were shot dead on June 3, 2006, at Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai while they were travelling from Mumbai to Osmanabad (now Dharashiv). Two assailants intercepted their vehicle and opened fire, killing both on the spot.
Among those who faced trial was Nimbalkar’s cousin and former NCP MP Padamsinh Patil, now 86, who was accused of being the prime conspirator in the case.
Other accused included Latur-based businessman Satish Mandade, former BJP corporator Mohan Shukla, Parasmal Jain, former excise inspector Shashikant Kulkarni, BSP worker Kailash Yadav and alleged shooters Dinesh Tiwari, Pintu Singh and Chote Pandey.
The case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after Nimbalkar’s family approached the Bombay High Court, expressing dissatisfaction with the initial investigation by Navi Mumbai police.
In 2009, the CBI filed a chargesheet naming Padamsinh Patil as the main accused and alleged that the murder was linked to political rivalry. Investigators claimed that Nimbalkar’s growing influence in Osmanabad posed a challenge to Patil’s political position and alleged that a contract worth Rs 30 lakh was arranged for the killing.
The CBI also alleged that Nimbalkar’s opposition to the management of Terna Sugar Factory was among the reasons behind the conspiracy. Patil, however, denied all allegations throughout the trial.
The trial began in July 2011 before the Special CBI Court and continued through years of hearings. The court examined 128 witnesses, including social activist Anna Hazare, whose name appeared in the case after accused Parasmal Jain claimed that a separate plan was allegedly made to target him.
The special court proceedings involved extensive witness examination, documentary evidence and arguments before the final verdict was delivered.
Pawanraje Nimbalkar was a prominent Congress leader from Osmanabad district and was considered an emerging political force in the region. He had earlier worked with Padamsinh Patil in cooperative institutions, including the Terna Sugar Factory and Osmanabad District Central Cooperative Bank, but relations between the two leaders later deteriorated.
Nimbalkar’s son and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Omraje Nimbalkar had told the court that his father had lodged police complaints against Patil after differences developed between the two groups.