Santosh Deshmukh murder case: Villagers stage hunger strike, demand probe against investigating officers

Residents of Massajog village in Maharashtra demand justice for murdered Sarpanch, accusing police of negligence and political involvement.

The probe into the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh once again gained momentum on Tuesday (February 25, 2025), after the residents of Massajog village in Maharashtra’s Beed district staged a hunger strike, expressing their “dissatisfaction” over the investigation and putting forth seven demands.

Their demands include a speedier investigation, the arrest of accused Krushna Andhale who has absconded, the arrest of officers Prashant Mahajan and Rajesh Patil, and the appointment of government lawyer Ujjwal Nikam.The slain sarpanch’s brother Dhananjay Deshmukh also demanded a probe to find out who instructed Mr. Patil not to take Deshmukh’s body to Kaij hospital for an autopsy.

Deshmukh was allegedly murdered on December 9, 2024. His murder is connected to an extortion case, involving Walmik Karad, a close aide of Maharashtra Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Dhananjay Munde. Social activists and Deshmukh’s famil have accused police officers of negligence and involvement in the case.

Beed has been witnessing political turmoil since the murder. “80 days are passed, we are still waiting for justice. We will be staging a hunger strike for two days and if there is no assurance on our demands from the administration, then we will also stop drinking water,” Mr. Dhananjay Deshmukh told journalists in Massajog.

The villagers also met Beed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat on Monday (February 24, 2025). Noting that certain details had not been shared with the SP, Mr. Dhananjay Deshmukh said that the family would file an appeal for reinvestigation. “In the last meeting, we asked to give demands in writing and accordingly we will conduct the inquiry,” Mr. Kanwat said.

NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule asked why the police is still not able to find the accused. “This is suspicious and police should investigate in the right direction to resolve the case and bring justice,” she said.

Urging the Chief Minister to take serious note of the protest, she posted on X, “It is a matter of great regret that a family has to go on a hunger strike for justice in Maharashtra, which is known as a developed State in the country.”