The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) announced its plan to challenge the acquittal of all the accused in the murder case of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver before the Bombay High Court. The special CBI court in Mumbai acquitted the accused, including former Maharashtra Home Minister Padamsinh Bajirao Patil, due to insufficient evidence and giving the benefit of doubt to the accused.
Pawanraje Nimbalkar, a prominent Congress leader, and his driver were fatally shot in broad daylight in Navi Mumbai in 2006, leading to the case being transferred to the CBI by the Bombay High Court. The CBI, after investigations, filed charge sheets in 2009 and 2010 against nine accused, including Padamsinh Patil, with one of the accused turning approver during the trial.
The trial court, in its judgment, found the prosecution witness’s testimony lacking credibility for a conviction, citing inconsistencies and contradictions in his statements. Despite the approver being a crucial link, the court noted that his evidence was unreliable due to persistent inconsistencies, leading to the acquittal of the accused. The CBI, disagreeing with the verdict, stated its intention to challenge it in the Bombay High Court.
