Fadnavis will seek Dhananjay Munde’s resignation if he is linked to Beed sarpanch murder: BJP’s Chandrakant Patil

Senior BJP leader Chandrakant Patil confirms investigation into murder case involving NCP Minister Dhananjay Munde in Maharashtra.

Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Minister Chandrakant Patil on Monday (January 27, 2025) said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would demand the resignation of NCP Minister Dhananjay Munde if there was evidence of his links to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

Speaking to reporters in Sangli, Mr. Patil confirmed a detailed investigation was under way into the murder of Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, who was abducted, tortured, and killed on December 9. Deshmukh was allegedly targeted for opposing an extortion attempt involving an energy firm operating a windmill project in the region.

Walmik Karad, a close associate of Mr. Munde, has already been arrested in connection with the extortion case linked to the murder. Mr. Munde, the NCP MLA from Parli in Beed, is under fire from political allies and opposition leaders for his alleged association with Karad.

“If credible evidence is found linking Mr. Munde to the case, Chief Minister Fadnavis will act immediately and demand his resignation,” Mr. Patil said.

The Minister said the State government had taken strong measures in the case, including invoking the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against Karad and other accused. Authorities have begun the process of seizing Karad’s properties.

To expedite the investigation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been set up, and a retired judge had been appointed to oversee the inquiry, he added.

“The police are actively working on the case, and all steps are being taken to ensure justice, including freezing Karad’s assets,” the Minister said.