What is the Pawanraje Nimbalkar murder case? | Explained
A high-profile murder case had stirred Maharashtra two decades ago. At the heart of it was the political rivalry between two cousins. The Sessions Court
A high-profile murder case had stirred Maharashtra two decades ago. At the heart of it was the political rivalry between two cousins. The Sessions Court in Mumbai will deliver its verdict in the Pawanraje Nimbalkar murder case on Saturday (June 20, 2026). The accused is former Maharashtra Minister Padmasinh Patil, a heavyweight leader and the brother of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Pawanraje Nimbalkar’s son, Omraje Nimbalkar, is a Shiv Sena UBT MP on his way out of the party. He has said that his family has fought for justice for 20 years. The trial, which started in 2011, lasted for 15 years. The court examined 160 witnesses in that period. Verdict deferred to June 20 On Monday (June 15, 2026), the court had said that additional time was required to deliver the verdict, leading to a postponement. The court had previously ordered the accused to appear in person for the June 16 hearing. All nine accused complied with the directive. The verification of their presence was completed, and the judge recorded their attendance. The hearing lasted for a duration that court officials described as brief. The next date of hearing was communicated to all parties present. The verdict was initially expected on May 14. The hearing on that date was deferred as the accused were not present in the court. The court subsequently directed their appearance for June 16. The prosecution and the defence counsel were present on both occasions. The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 20.
The accused has been directed to remain present on that date. The prosecution and the defence counsel will be present to receive the verdict. The family members of the deceased are expected to be present in the court. The case has been pending for two decades. The legal process has involved multiple hearings and procedural steps. The parties involved have been informed of the new date. Background of the case Pawanraje Nimbalkar, a Congress leader from Maharashtra, arrived in Mumbai on June 3, 2006. He had completed his work in the city and proceeded towards Pune. He was scheduled to meet an individual in Kalamboli regarding a land transaction in Barshi. Pawanraje Nimbalkar travelled in a white car. The CBI charge sheet states that he reached the Char Rasta intersection in Kalamboli. According to the charge sheet, the assailants were positioned at the location. They overtook his vehicle and instructed the driver to stop. Pawanraje Nimbalkar was asleep in the vehicle at that time. The assailants approached the car and engaged the occupants in conversation under the pretext of making inquiries. The driver woke Pawanraje Nimbalkar and lowered the window. The shooters then allegedly fired at him. Pawanraje Nimbalkar sustained injuries. The driver, Samad Kazi, was also wounded in the incident. The assailants fled in their vehicle. They discarded the firearm and other weapons at a distance from the site. The vehicle used by the assailants was abandoned in Belavali village, Panvel. The Mumbai police registered a case and initiated an investigation.
The BriefWire