Pawanraje Nimbalkar Murder Case: Ex-Maharashtra Minister Padamsinh Patil, 7 Others Acquitted; CBI to Challenge Ruling
The special CBI court said key approver testimony was doubtful after a 15-year trial with 128 witnesses.
- On Saturday, June 20, 2026, a special CBI court acquitted former Maharashtra Home Minister Padamsinh Patil and seven others in the 2006 murder of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar, ending a two-decade legal battle.
- Political and personal rivalry between Patil and his cousin, Nimbalkar, allegedly drove the conspiracy, particularly regarding control of the Terna Sugar Cooperative Factory in Dharashiv.
- Judge Satyanaryan Navandar discarded the testimony of approver Parasmal Jain, citing lack of substantial evidence, after the court examined 128 witnesses during the 15-year trial.
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the state will challenge the acquittal after consulting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
- Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, the victim's son and a Shiv Sena Lok Sabha MP, was present during the pronouncement, marking a significant setback in his pursuit of justice.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Timeline of 2006 Pawanraje Nimbalkar Murder Case
Explore the full timeline of the 2006 Pawanraje Nimbalkar murder case, from the Navi Mumbai double shooting and CBI probe to the high-profile trial of ex-minister Padamsinh Patil, key witness testimonies, and the 2026 court verdict acquitting all eight accused.
CBI to challenge trial court’s acquittal order in Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar murder case in Bombay High Court - The Tribune
The CBI will challenge in the Bombay High Court the acquittal order by the trial court in the Pawanraje Nimbalkar murder case, sources aware of development said.
20 years later, ex-Maharashtra minister acquitted in Congress leader's murder
A Mumbai court acquitted former Maharashtra home minister Padamsinh Patil, the brother of Sunetra Pawar, and seven others in the 2006 murder case of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar. The CBI is likely to challenge the order.
Pawanraje Nimbalkar murder case: Ex-Maharashtra minister Padamsinh Patil, 7 others acquitted; CBI to challenge ruling
A special CBI court in Mumbai acquitted former Maharashtra minister Padamsinh Patil and all other accused in the 2006 murder case of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver.
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