After nearly two decades of legal proceedings, the Special CBI Court in Mumbai has acquitted all accused in the 2006 murder case of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar. The verdict, delivered on June 16, 2026, concluded one of Maharashtra’s most protracted and politically charged trials.
**Background of the Case**
Pawanraje Nimbalkar, a prominent Congress leader from Osmanabad district, was fatally shot on June 3, 2006, near Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai. He was traveling with his driver, Samad Kazi, when their vehicle was intercepted by assailants who opened fire, resulting in both fatalities. The murder sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape, leading to widespread speculation about its motives.
**Political Rivalry and Allegations**
Nimbalkar had initially risen in politics with the support of Padamsinh Patil, a senior leader from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He held positions in cooperative institutions such as the Terna Sugar Factory and the Osmanabad District Central Cooperative Bank. However, as Nimbalkar’s political influence grew, tensions between the two leaders escalated. Reports indicate that Nimbalkar lodged police complaints against Patil, reflecting the deteriorating relationship. This rivalry became central to the investigation into Nimbalkar’s murder.
**Investigation and Charges**
Dissatisfied with the initial investigation, Nimbalkar’s family petitioned the Bombay High Court for an independent probe. Consequently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case. In 2009, the CBI filed a chargesheet naming Padamsinh Patil as the prime accused, alleging that he orchestrated the murder due to political rivalry. The CBI claimed that Patil believed Nimbalkar’s growing popularity threatened his political dominance in Osmanabad district and that a contract of Rs 30 lakh was arranged for the assassination. Patil has consistently denied all allegations.
**Trial Proceedings**
The trial, conducted before a Special CBI Court, was extensive, involving the examination of 128 witnesses, including notable figures such as social activist Anna Hazare. The proceedings spanned several years, with final arguments presented as recently as 2025. The case was initially expected to conclude in May 2026, but the verdict was deferred to June 16.
**Verdict and Aftermath**
On June 16, 2026, the Special CBI Court acquitted all accused, citing insufficient evidence to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The judgment has significant implications for Maharashtra’s political landscape, particularly in Dharashiv district, where the Nimbalkar and Patil families have been influential. The acquittal also brings to a close one of the state’s longest-running and most closely watched political murder trials.
**Political Repercussions**
The case has had lasting effects on Maharashtra’s political dynamics. The Nimbalkar family, especially Pawanraje’s son, Omraje Nimbalkar, has been at the center of political developments. Omraje Nimbalkar, a legislator and later a Lok Sabha MP, has been associated with the Shiv Sena (UBT). Reports suggest that he is among the MPs who have allegedly rebelled and may join the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena. Senior leader Sanjay Raut has claimed that Omraje Nimbalkar is considering switching factions due to a promised favorable verdict in his father’s case, which has been pending for 20 years.
**Conclusion**
The acquittal in the Pawanraje Nimbalkar murder case concludes a lengthy legal battle that has spanned nearly two decades. While the verdict has brought closure to the accused, it has also left lingering questions about the true circumstances surrounding Nimbalkar’s death. The case continues to influence political affiliations and strategies in Maharashtra, underscoring the complex interplay between law and politics in the state.
