Nimbalkar murder case: Accused ex-NCP leader Padamsinh Patil's verdict deferred
What's the story
A Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Court in Mumbai has deferred its verdict in the high-profile murder case of former Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver to June 19. The case has been a major political flashpoint in Maharashtra, involving allegations of political rivalry and contract killing. The prime accused, former NCP leader Padamsinh Patil, 86, had arrived at the Special CBI Court for the verdict, which was expected on Tuesday.
Political rivalry
Who were Nimbalkar and Patil
Nimbalkar, a prominent Congress leader from Osmanabad district, was once a rising star in Maharashtra politics. According to testimony recorded, he had started his political career with Patil's support and served on the boards of cooperative institutions like Terna Sugar Factory and Osmanabad District Central Cooperative Bank. However, their relationship soured as Nimbalkar's political clout grew, leading to allegations of political rivalry between the two camps.
Murder case
Murder, investigation and chargesheet
On June 3, 2006, Nimbalkar and his driver were traveling near Kalamboli when they were allegedly intercepted by assailants, who forced Nimbalkar's car to stop and opened fire, killing both men. Dissatisfied with the initial probe, Nimbalkar's family sought an independent investigation from the Bombay High Court which ordered a CBI probe. The CBI later reconstructed the crime scene and filed a chargesheet naming former Union minister and NCP heavyweight Patil as the prime accused and alleged conspirator in 2009.
Trial proceedings
Political rivalry, contract killing charges
The CBI alleged that Patil conspired to kill Nimbalkar over political rivalry, fearing his growing popularity would undermine Patil's influence in Osmanabad district. The CBI claimed a contract of ₹30 lakh was arranged for the murder. The trial has taken nearly 20 years to reach this stage, with 127 witnesses being examined during the proceedings. Notably, veteran social activist Anna Hazare also testified during the trial.
Legal implications
Accused is the brother of NCP chief
Patil and eight other suspects were arrested in connection with the murder case. One of the accused later became an approver and was awarded a pardon. Patil is the brother of Sunetra Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and the NCP's national president. The case was initially investigated by the Raigad police before being transferred to the State Crime Investigation Department (CID) and later to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).