A Special CBI Court in Mumbai is set to deliver its verdict in one of Maharashtra’s most politically significant murder cases, likely on June 20.
The 2006 murder case of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar has remained at the center of Maharashtra politics as it involves allegations of political rivalry, an alleged contract killing plot and the prosecution of senior politician Padamsinh Patil.
Padamsinh Patil is Pawanraje Nimbalkar’s cousin and former NCP MP. He served as the Home Minister of Maharashtra in the late 1980s and held several cabinet portfolios. He was an MLA when the killing took place and later became Member of Parliament from Dharashiv, a report said.
In fact, the case was listed for trial on Tuesday. However, special court judge Satyanaryan Navandar adjourned the case to June 20, saying it will take two to three more days to complete the trial.
Pawanraje Nimbalkar’s son Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar is currently a member of the Lok Sabha from the Shiv Sena (UBT).
On June 3, 2006, Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver, Samad Kazi, were on their way from Mumbai to Osmanabad (now Dharashiv). Two assassins intercepted their car at Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai and opened fire, killing both on the spot.
According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Patil, the prime accused in the case, allegedly hatched the criminal conspiracy and paid the contract money to eliminate his cousin Pawanraje Nimbalkar due to intense political and business rivalry.
Besides Patil, the other accused in the case include Latur-based businessman Satish Mandade, retired state excise inspector Mohan Shukla and the attackers.
According to the details of the case, one Parasmal Jain was the one who initially accepted the contract of Rs 30 lakh from Mohan Shukla and Satish Mandade to kill Pawanraje Nimbalkar.
