Mumbai, Osmanabad: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Padamsinh Patil has been sent to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody till June 14 after being produced in court on Sunday morning.
Patil has been charged with the murder of his cousin, Congressman Pawanraje Nimbalkar, who was shot dead in 2006. This is a major embarrassment for the NCP.
Soon after his arrest by the CBI on Saturday night, Patil had complained of chest pain and checked into J J Hospital. He was on Sunday produced before a court in Panvel. The CBI has informed Lok Sabha Speaker about Patil's arrest.
Patil, a former state minister, was once a close aide of Sharad Pawar. Allegations had surfaced against Patil soon after Nimbalkar's murder. However, he had denied any involvement.
"I am innocent. I am being framed," said Patil.
Meanwhile, there has been violent protests in Osmanabad after the arrest of Patil, who's the sitting NCP MP from the constituency. His party's youth wing has called for a bandh in the city.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar has denied making any comment on the issue.
"I don't want to comment on the case. It is under investigation. I am a member of the Union government and my comments should not influence a case," said Pawar.
Earlier on Sunday, speaking to mediapersons, Pawanraje's son called the investigations 'sloppy' and accused Patil of trying to evade action.