Murder and minister’s resignation: How a Sarpanch’s murder in Beed landed Dhananjay Munde in soup
The Hindu
Beed Sarpanch murder case: Chargesheet filed in sarpanch murder case, Maharashtra minister resigns, aide arrested, and MCOCA invoked against accused.
A chilling murder of Sarpanch in Maharashtra’s Beed on December 9 last year (2024) had sent shockwaves around the nation where Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village, was killed. Reportedly, Deshmukh (45) was abducted, tortured and murdered on December 9 after he tried to stop an extortion attempt targeting an energy company, the investigation revealed.
Reportedly, Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde has resigned, after his close aide Walmik Karad was named as an accused in the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case.
In a post on X, Mr. Munde also said he was deeply saddened after seeing photographs related to the gruesome murder of Santosh Deshmukh. He added that he resigned as per his conscience and cited health reasons as well.
On February 27, a 1,200-page charge sheet was filed in a district court by Crime Investigation Department (CID) of state police and three cases, relating to the sarpanch’s murder, attempt to extort money from Avaada company and an assault on security guard of the firm, were registered.
Furthermore, the police have invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused in the cases. While one of the accused is still at large, seven persons have been arrested so far and booked under the MCOCA.
A thorough probe into the murder of the sarpanch revealed that one of the close aides of Mr. Munde landed in the cops net in connection with the case. Mr. Munde’s aide Walmik Karad was arrested for his alleged role in the murder.
Following the revelation, opposition parties have been seeking Mr. Munde’s resignation. He held the portfolios of food and civil supplies.
Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin defends DMK-run schools teaching Hindi, criticizes BJP's education policy, emphasizes Dravidian model. When Hindi-teaching Dakshina Bharatha Hindi Sabhas are functional in south India, why north India did not establish any institution to teach south Indian languages, asked CM Stalin
Kerala Assembly debates ASHAs' remuneration, with Opposition UDF accusing government of mishandling protests and denying adjournment motion.
Tragic suicide in Mangaluru due to rejected marriage proposal, victim's brother files complaint against CISF officer.
Telangana women's groups to lease 150 buses to TGSRTC, with monthly charges of ₹77,220 each. Government to give guarantee to loans.
Beed Sarpanch murder case: Chargesheet filed in sarpanch murder case, Maharashtra minister resigns, aide arrested, and MCOCA invoked against accused.
KELSA files PIL for anti-ragging committees in Kerala, emphasizing accountability, legal compliance, and victim support services.
Banu Mushtaq, first Kannada writer nominated for International Booker Prize, shares her journey as an advocate, politician, and activist.
Farmers in Sangam village receive timely payment for paddy sold to PGN Mill, highlighting importance of procurement centers.
DMK and BJP leaders clash over NEP implementation in Tamil Nadu, accusing each other of misinformation and political agendas.
Puducherry aims to become a major medical tourism hub with potential for super specialty hospitals and advanced medical equipment.
Despite registering a complaint at Pune airport and following up through phone calls for over a month, the senior citizens are yet to get their luggage. And now, the senior citizens allege, officials of the airline are avoiding their calls.
Madras High Court reverses discharge of M.K. Alagiri from select provisions of law in land grab case
Madras High Court reverses order discharging M.K. Alagiri in land grab case, orders him to face trial.
Supreme Court to hear fishermen's plea challenging Tamil Nadu ban on purse seine fishing, citing Central government report.