CBI Court Acquits All Accused in High-Profile Political Murder Case
In a significant ruling, a special CBI court has acquitted all nine accused in the high-profile murder case of former Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver, Samad Kazi, citing insufficient evidence. This decision, which concludes a nearly two-decade-long legal battle, has prompted the CBI to announce plans to appeal the ruling in the High Court. The case, which dates back to 2006, involved a violent attack that resulted in the deaths of Nimbalkar and Kazi, raising questions about political conspiracies in Maharashtra. The CBI's next steps are eagerly awaited as political reactions unfold in the state.
Jun 20, 2026, 15:40 IST
Court Ruling in the Pawanraje Nimbalkar Case
A special court of the CBI has acquitted all nine defendants in the double murder case of former Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver, Samad Kazi, citing a lack of evidence. Among those exonerated is former NCP leader Padamsingh Patil, who was identified by the CBI as the main conspirator. This verdict concludes a legal battle that has spanned nearly two decades, marking it as one of Maharashtra's most notable political murder cases.
CBI to Challenge Acquittal in High Court
CBI Plans to Appeal the Acquittal Decision
Despite the acquittal, the CBI intends to contest the special court's ruling in the High Court regarding the Pawanraje Nimbalkar murder case. This decision has sparked political reactions across Maharashtra. Sources indicate that following the ruling, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Reports suggest that Shah has instructed the CBI to file an appeal in the High Court to challenge the acquittal. The agency is expected to initiate legal proceedings against the special court's decision.
Background of the Pawanraje Nimbalkar Case
Details of the Murder Case
The incident dates back to June 3, 2006, when Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver, Samad Kazi, were traveling from Mumbai to Osmanabad (now known as Dharashiv). According to investigators, armed assailants intercepted their vehicle near Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai and opened fire. Both Nimbalkar and Kazi were killed in the attack. At the time of his death, Nimbalkar was a sitting legislator and a prominent political figure who had held several significant positions in state governments over the years. The CBI alleged that this murder was part of a larger conspiracy and labeled it a 'contract killing.'