Nagpur: In a major development in the murder case of senior advocate Eknath Dharmaji Nimgade, a Nagpur court has rejected the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) closure report and ordered direct criminal proceedings against two accused.
The order has been passed by the 12th Joint Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Nagpur.
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14 Oct 2025
Key Court Directions
• CBI’s closure report stands dismissed.
• Direct process to be initiated against the two accused:
– Mohsin Badruddin Ansari alias Raja Pop (currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail)
– Ranjit Halpe Safalekar (resident of Laxmi Tower, near Old Police Station, Kamptee)
• Charges to be registered under IPC Section 302 read with 34, and Arms Act Sections 3/25 and 27.
• Summons issued for both accused to appear on November 25, 2025.
• A production warrant has been issued for Raja Pop.
• CBI directed to provide all relevant documents to the complainant under Section 207 of CrPC.
Case Background
Advocate Eknath Dharmaji Nimgade was shot dead on September 6, 2016. The assailant was suspected to have arrived on a black Activa-type two-wheeler. After initial police inquiry, the case was transferred to the CBI. The agency later filed a closure report citing “lack of sufficient evidence.”
The victim’s family challenged the report. The court, after considering the objections, has now reopened the path for prosecution.
Family’s Reaction
Anupam Nimgade, son of the deceased and complainant in the case, welcomed the order and said the court’s decision has revived their hope for justice.
The matter will now move forward with the next hearing scheduled for November 25, 2025, marking a significant new turn in the long-pending murder investigation.
