CBI Court Set to Deliver Verdict in High-Profile Political Murder Case in Maharashtra
A special CBI court in Mumbai is preparing to announce its verdict in a high-profile political murder case that has captivated Maharashtra. The case involves the families of Shiv Sena MP Omraje Nimbalkar and BJP MLA Padmsingh Patil, with allegations of contract killing and political rivalry at its core. The court's decision will address charges against eight individuals, including the elderly Padmsingh Patil, who has a significant political history. As the case nears its conclusion after years of legal proceedings, the implications of the verdict could resonate throughout the state's political landscape.
Jun 16, 2026, 17:02 IST
Verdict Anticipated in Notorious Political Murder Case
A special CBI court in Mumbai is on the verge of announcing its decision regarding one of Maharashtra's most infamous political murder cases. This case involves the families of Omraje Nimbalkar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP from Osmanabad (now known as Dharashiv), and BJP MLA Ranajagjeetsingh Padmsingh Patil. The ruling will address charges against eight individuals, including Padmsingh Patil, who is now 86 years old. Padmsingh Patil served as Maharashtra's Home Minister in the late 1980s and held various cabinet positions. At the time of the murder, he was a sitting MLA and later became an MP from Dharashiv.
Political Connections and Background
His sister, Sunetra Pawar, currently serves as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and is married to Ajit Pawar. Omraje Nimbalkar's father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar, was a prominent Congress leader in the Marathwada region. According to the prosecution, Padmsingh Patil viewed him as a political threat. On June 3, 2006, Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver were traveling in a Skoda car near Kalamboli when assailants in another vehicle intercepted them. The attackers forced their car to stop and opened fire, resulting in the immediate deaths of both men, after which they fled the scene.
Investigation and Developments
Subsequent to the incident, allegations of threats and contract killing emerged, leading to the CBI taking over the investigation. The agency reported that the assassins were paid 3 million rupees to carry out the murder. Padmsingh Patil and eight other suspects were arrested in connection with the case. One of the accused later turned state witness and was granted immunity. Over the past two decades, this case has reached the Supreme Court multiple times, which has expedited hearings and extended deadlines on three occasions. After examining testimonies from 127 witnesses and enduring lengthy final arguments over several months, the case is now nearing its conclusion.