'Padamsinh Patil's arrest embarrassing for party'

The Nationalist Congress Party today said that the arrest of its senior leader Padamsinh Patil by the Central Bureau of Investigation on charges of murdering a Congress leader has been "embarrassing" for the party.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday said that the arrest of its senior leader Padamsinh Patil by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on charges of murdering a Congress leader has been "embarrassing" for the party.

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"Of course it is embarrassing for the party... The matter is still under trial... Our lawyers told us that Patil stands a chance as the case is based on the confessions of a co-accused," said NCP spokesperson DP Tripathi.

Senior NCP leader and Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said: "As far as the case of Padamsinh Patil is concerned it is the issue between the investigating agencies and police. NCP considers this his personal matter. If charges against him are proved then the party would completely disassociate itself from him."

Barely two weeks after he was elected to the Lok Sabha, former Maharashtra home minister and NCP leader Padamsinh Patil was arrested on Sunday and sent to CBI custody till June 14 for the murder of a cousin and Congress leader in 2006.

The CBI picked up Patil, 64, in connection with the killing of Pavan Raje Nimbalkar and his driver Samad Qazi near Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai, around 100 km from here, July 3, 2006.

He was produced before a holiday magistrate in Panvel, Navi Mumbai, and sent to CBI custody till June 14. The court also directed the CBI to provide all medical assistance to Patil in view of his health condition.