Nagpur Sessions Court Summons CBI in Architect Murder Case as Maharashtra Approves Rs 115 Crore Pilgrimage Plan
The Nagpur Sessions Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation and two named accused to respond by July 22 to a petition seeking a comprehensive fresh probe into the Architect Eknath Nimgade murder case, a killing that shocked Maharashtra. The state government also cleared revised development plans worth Rs 115 crore for major pilgrimage sites across Parbhani, Amravati, and Nagpur, targeting riverfront upgrades and improved amenities for religious visitors. Both developments position Nagpur at the centre of Maharashtra's civic and cultural agenda this week.
Sessions Court Issues CBI Notice in Architect Eknath Nimgade Murder Case
The high-profile Architect Eknath Nimgade murder case, which shocked Maharashtra, has taken a significant legal turn after the Nagpur Sessions Court issued formal notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation and the two accused in the matter. The accused are identified as Ranjit Halke Safelkar and Mohsin Badruddin Ansari, also known as Raja Pop. The petition was filed by Anupam Nimgade, the victim's son, who contends that the investigation conducted so far was incomplete, flawed, and failed to examine several crucial aspects of the case. Among his central allegations is that the probe was restricted to only two accused and did not explore the larger conspiracy behind the murder or attempt to identify other possible co-conspirators who may have been involved. Anupam Nimgade is calling for a fresh, comprehensive scientific investigation employing modern forensic techniques. The requested reinvestigation would encompass analysis of financial transactions to trace any money trail, scrutiny of digital communications, examination of mobile call detail records, determination of the origin of the weapon used in the killing, and an assessment of the role of any individuals who may have provided financial or logistical support to those responsible. The Nagpur Sessions Court has directed all respondents, including the CBI and the two accused, to submit their written replies by July 22. The case was reported by Nagpur Today on July 20, 2026, marking a fresh chapter in a legal fight that the victim's family has pursued to secure what they describe as justice commensurate with the gravity of the crime. [8]
🪔 Maharashtra Clears Rs 115 Crore for Pilgrimage Upgrades at Nagpur, Amravati, and Parbhani
Maharashtra has approved revised development plans valued at Rs 115 crore for three major pilgrimage sites located in Parbhani, Amravati, and Nagpur. The state government formally cleared the plans on July 20, 2026, according to a report by the IANS wire service published the same day. A primary stated objective of the initiative is to boost religious tourism at all three sites, which attract large numbers of devotees from across Maharashtra and neighbouring states throughout the year. A central focus of the approved plans is the upgrading of riverfronts near the pilgrimage centres, an investment that aims to make the spiritual zones more accessible, better landscaped, and more hospitable for visitors who travel to these areas for religious purposes. Improvements to pilgrim amenities form a parallel strand of the scheme, targeting facilities that support the day-to-day needs of devotees including rest areas, sanitation infrastructure, and connectivity within the pilgrimage precincts. Beyond the cultural and religious dimensions, the projects are expected to generate tangible economic benefits for local communities living in and around the pilgrimage destinations, supporting livelihoods that depend on the flow of religious visitors. The funding package is described as a revised development plan, indicating that earlier drafts existed and have been updated before receiving final state-level approval. The Nagpur site stands as one of three priority destinations under this coordinated Maharashtra government investment, affirming the city's continued importance as a node of religious and cultural significance in the Vidarbha region. [2]
Sources: [8] Nagpur Today · [2] Telangana Today