The Sarpanch of Massajog village in Maharashra’s Beed district, Santosh Deshmukh, was kidnapped and killed allegedly for opposing an extortion attempt. The brother of the deceased Sarpanch, Santosh Deshmukh, has approached the Bombay High Court, accusing state minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde of connections with a key suspect. The petitioner is seeking Munde’s removal from the cabinet and the arrest of the minister’s close associate.
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Aurangabad: In Maharashtra’s Beed district, a case involving the murder of a village Sarpanch has taken a serious turn, with allegations of political interference being raised.
The brother of the deceased Sarpanch, Santosh Deshmukh, has approached the Bombay High Court, accusing state minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde of connections with a key suspect.
The petitioner is seeking Munde’s removal from the cabinet and the arrest of the minister’s close associate.
Allegations Against Dhananjay Munde and Crime Syndicate Leader
The plea, filed in the Aurangabad bench of the High Court, accuses Dhananjay Munde of having ties to a criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for the murder. Santosh Deshmukh, the Sarpanch of Massajog village, was reportedly kidnapped and murdered on December 9 for opposing an extortion attempt.
The petition highlights the involvement of the prime accused, Valmik Karad, who is alleged to lead a powerful crime syndicate in Beed with political backing.
The petitioner stated,
“Karad is a key figure in a criminal network and enjoys political protection.”
Further, the plea demands Munde’s removal from his ministerial position and calls for Karad’s prosecution under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Details of the Murder: Police Inaction and Torture
The plea accuses the police of failing to act promptly during Deshmukh’s abduction, despite being informed by witnesses about the involvement of six to seven individuals. An FIR was reportedly registered only after political pressure was applied.
Tragically, three hours after his abduction, Deshmukh’s mutilated body was discovered, bearing signs of severe torture, including burns on sensitive areas.
“Karad was reportedly on a video call while the accused tortured Santosh,”
-the petition alleges.
Prior Complaints Ignored by Authorities
According to the petitioner, numerous complaints had been lodged against Karad for extortion, threats, and kidnapping, but the authorities failed to take decisive action.
The plea also accuses certain police officials of enabling the criminal syndicate’s operations through their inaction and complicity.
“The negligence of the police and their failure to act on prior complaints is alarming,”
-the petitioner added.
Demands for Independent Investigation
The petition seeks an independent probe into the systemic failures of law enforcement in Beed and highlights the need for accountability in the investigation of the case.
Statewide Protest: Public Outcry and Political Fallout
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Maharashtra, leading to a massive protest in Beed. Known as the “Aakrosh Morcha” (March of Anger), the demonstration saw participation from political leaders, social activists, and members of the Maratha community.
Prominent figures such as Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje from the Kolhapur royal family, BJP MLAs Suresh Dhas and Abhimanyu Pawar, and NCP MLAs Prakash Solanke and Sandeep Kshirsagar joined the protest. Even NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad voiced support for the demand to arrest Karad immediately.
“The Aakrosh Morcha showcased a united front from various political and social factions, demanding justice for Santosh Deshmukh and accountability from those in power,”
-a protestor said.
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