Nimbalkar case transferred to CBI

Nimbalkar, a Congress leader from Usmanabad, was shot dead on June 3, 2003 at Kalmaboli in Navi Mumbai while travelling down the Pune-Mumbai expressway. His driver too was killed in the incident.

His wife, Anandibai Nimbalkar, had filed a petition before the High Court seeking CBI probe and alleging that NCP leader and former state minister Padmasinh Patil had hand in Pawanraje8217;s murder.

A division bench of Justice S B Mhase and Justice V K Tahilramani have said in the judgment that the probe carried out by the Navi Mumbai Crime Branch has hit a deadlock and does not inspire confidence.

The judges observed that the police did not look into the possibility that Vicky Malhotra, a Chhota Rajan aide who was in Thane jail during this period, might be involved in the murder. The narco-analysis of Tanaji Patil, an accused, had revealed Malhotra8217;s name.

The court had earlier sought the record of Malhotra8217;s movement out of the jail. Malhotra had been taken to Mumbai around June 3 in connection with a court remand.

The judges have also pointed out that the police did not trace the calls on Nimbalkar8217;s cell phone on the day of the murder.

The court has concluded that in a matter regarding a person who has connections with the administration, it is in public interest that the CBI probes the case. The CBI has been directed to expedite the probe.