09 June,2009 08:38 AM IST | | J Dey
Realises police failed to follow up on Rajiv Baba mentioned in a narco test three years ago
The CBI investigation into the murder of Pawanraje Nimbalkar has now got a fresh twist.
Three years after accused Tanaji Patil named one Rajiv Baba as a co-conspirator during a narco analysis test, the bureau stumbled upon a copy of the report (MiD DAY has a copy of the report) and has launched a massive manhunt for the missing suspect.
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In 2006, during a narco analysis test, Tanaji had disclosed that Rajiv Baba and Padamsinh Patil had killed Nimbalkar.
He also confessed to have received Rs 15,000 for his involvement and named gangster Chhota Rajan's top aide Vicky Malhotra as a key shooter.
Though Satish Mandade and Mohan Shukla were arrested following Tanaji's disclosure, the Navi Mumbai police failed to follow up on Rajiv Baba. It is believed that political pressure is the reason behind this lapse.
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Investigators suspect that Rajiv Baba could be an alias for one of Patil's family members. Tanaji had earlier told the police that Rajiv Baba was a popular figure at the village and taluka levels.
The election effect
Insiders said the CBI was given the go-ahead to arrest Padamsinh Patil only after the recently-concluded Lok Sabha polls, despite the needle of suspicion pointing towards him for the past two years.
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His arrest could change the political equation during the forthcoming Assembly elections, sources added.
Padmasinh arrest rocks Legislature
The arrest of NCP MP Padma-sinh Patil in the Nimbalkar case rocked the Legislature yesterday with both the Houses being adjourned amid noisy scenes as the Opposition accused the government of 'shielding' Patil.
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The Opposition also demanded the resignation of Home Minister Jayant Patil.
