All accused acquitted in 2006 Pawanraje Nimbalkar Murder Case after 20-Year Trial
A special CBI court in Mumbai acquitted all accused in the 2006 murder case of Maharashtra Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver Samad Kazi, bringing an end to a trial that lasted nearly two decades.
Among those acquitted was former NCP MP and ex-Maharashtra minister Padamsinh Patil, who had been named by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as the prime accused and alleged conspirator in the double murder. Nimbalkar and Kazi were shot dead by assailants near Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai on June 3, 2006, while travelling to Osmanabad, now known as Dharashiv.
The case was initially investigated by Navi Mumbai Police before being transferred to the CBI following a petition by Nimbalkar’s family. In its 2009 chargesheet, the CBI alleged that political rivalry was the motive behind the killing and claimed that a contract worth ₹30 lakh had been arranged to eliminate Nimbalkar, whose growing influence was seen as a challenge in the region.
The trial began in 2011 and saw the examination of 128 witnesses, including social activist Anna Hazare. The proceedings involved extensive documentary evidence, witness testimonies and arguments spread over several years before the special court delivered its verdict.
Pawanraje Nimbalkar was a prominent Congress leader from Osmanabad district and was considered a rising political figure in the region. His son, Omraje Nimbalkar, later entered politics and currently represents the constituency in Parliament. The detailed judgment of the court is awaited.
