Wed Jan 01 10:56:10 UTC 2025: ## Villagers Stage “Jal Samadhi” Protest Demanding Arrest in Sarpanch Murder Case
**Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra – January 1, 2025** – Villagers in Massajog, Beed district, Maharashtra, launched a dramatic “jal samadhi” (water immersion) protest on Wednesday, demanding the immediate arrest of three remaining suspects in the brutal murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh last month.
The protest follows the Tuesday surrender of Walmik Karad, a close associate of Maharashtra NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, who was wanted in connection with an extortion case linked to the murder. Karad has been remanded in 14-day police custody.
Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog, was abducted and murdered on December 9th, allegedly for opposing an extortion attempt targeting a windmill company. Three individuals have already been arrested in connection with the murder, but three others remain at large.
Several villagers waded waist-deep into a local lake as part of their protest, expressing their outrage at the lack of progress in apprehending the remaining suspects. One protester stated, “Santosh Deshmukh deserves justice. Twenty-three days have passed, and three accused are still missing. What is the police doing?”
Beed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat met with the protesters and pledged to arrest the remaining suspects within ten days. He assured them that the police are making “100 percent efforts” to apprehend the fugitives. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) is leading the investigation into both the murder and extortion cases.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also addressed the situation, speaking with Deshmukh’s brother and assuring him that justice will be served. He vowed that all involved will face prosecution, stating, “Until the guilty are hanged to death, the police will continue their duty…Nobody will be spared.” The investigation continues.
First Piper 