Mumbai

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said that the state government would challenge the acquittal of all nine accused in the 2006 Pawanraje Nimbalkar double murder case, describing the verdict as unfortunate and assuring the victim's family that legal efforts would continue.

Speaking to ANI in Mumbai, Shinde said he and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the verdict delivered by a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court. According to him, Shah has directed the CBI to file an appeal before the High Court against the acquittal.

"I myself and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Amit Shah ji has stated that the CBI will appeal this decision in the High Court and contest the case. The Union Home Minister has issued these instructions to the CBI," Shinde said.

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed disappointment over the outcome of the case, noting that the family of Pawanraje Nimbalkar and many others had expected the accused to be convicted.

"This is a very unfortunate incident. It is a very tragic event because Pawanraje Nimbalkar ji and two others were murdered in broad daylight. This was a very serious and grave matter. The family and many others believed that the accused would be punished. However, unfortunately, the CBI court has acquitted them," he said.

The remarks came shortly after a special CBI court acquitted all nine accused in the high-profile double murder case, citing insufficient evidence to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Pawanraje Nimbalkar, a prominent Congress leader from Maharashtra, and his driver Samad Kazi were shot dead in June 2006 in the Kalamboli area of Navi Mumbai. The killings had triggered widespread political attention and demands for a thorough investigation. Given the sensitivity of the case, the probe was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Over the years, the case witnessed multiple twists and legal proceedings, with the CBI filing charges against nine individuals allegedly involved in the conspiracy and execution of the murders. Among those acquitted was former Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Padamsinh Patil, considered one of the principal accused in the case.

After examining witnesses, evidence and hearing extensive arguments from both sides, the special CBI court concluded that the prosecution had failed to establish the charges against the accused and acquitted all nine individuals.

The verdict has generated considerable political interest due to the family's continued presence in public life. Pawanraje Nimbalkar was the father of Omraje Nimbalkar, the Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament from Dharashiv. Omraje was present in court along with family members when the judgment was pronounced.

The case has also attracted attention amid ongoing political developments in Maharashtra. Omraje Nimbalkar is among a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs who have recently been at the centre of speculation regarding possible political realignments and alleged contacts with leaders from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.

However, Shinde's statement focused primarily on the legal aspects of the case and the government's commitment to pursuing justice through the appellate process.

With the CBI now expected to challenge the acquittal before the Bombay High Court, the nearly two-decade-old case is likely to remain in the public spotlight. The appeal process will provide an opportunity for higher judicial scrutiny of the evidence and findings that led to the acquittal of all accused.

For the Nimbalkar family, the court's verdict represents a major setback in a legal battle that has stretched for almost twenty years. Nevertheless, the assurance from both the state and central leadership that the matter will be pursued further has renewed hopes that the case is far from over.

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The next chapter in the long-running murder case is expected to unfold before the High Court, where the CBI will seek to overturn the acquittal and secure a fresh examination of the evidence.