Mon Jan 06 20:42:15 IST 2025: ## Maharashtra Minister’s Aide Arrested in Sarpanch Murder Case Amidst Political Fallout

**Mumbai, January 6, 2025** – The murder of Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, Maharashtra, has sparked a major political controversy, with an all-party delegation demanding the resignation of Minister Dhananjay Munde. Walmik Karad, a close aide of Munde, surrendered to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) on December 31, 2024, in connection with the case.

Deshmukh, abducted and murdered on December 9, 2024, allegedly opposed an extortion attempt by Karad targeting an energy firm. The delegation, led by former MP Sambhaji Raje, urged Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan to ensure a transparent investigation and stricter charges against Karad, arguing that current charges could lead to his early release. They also highlighted a concerning rise in extortion and violence in the Beed region, allegedly fueled by political influence and misuse of power.

While NCP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal dismissed calls for Munde’s resignation as premature, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar wrote to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, expressing concern for the safety of public representatives involved in the case and demanding a thorough investigation. Mr. Pawar’s letter on X also highlighted a pattern of similar crimes in the Beed-Parli region and the urgent need to ensure the safety of those who are providing evidence to the government.

The legislators’ appeal detailed a sequence of events, including an earlier alleged kidnapping attempt on an Avaada Power Pvt. Ltd. official in May 2024 and subsequent threats and assaults allegedly orchestrated by Karad. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar highlighted Karad’s alleged wealth and influence, questioning the impartiality of the investigation.

Mr. Bhujbal, in his defense against accusations of leveraging the situation for political gain, cited his own experience during the 2003 Abdul Karim Telgi fake stamp paper scam, where he was cleared of wrongdoing after a CBI investigation. He emphasized the unfairness of demanding resignations before the completion of investigations. Chief Minister Fadnavis has assured a thorough inquiry, promising action against anyone found guilty regardless of their political connections.

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