Wed Jan 08 23:05:00 UTC 2025: ## OBC Activist Condemns Politicization of Maratha Sarpanch’s Murder

**Mumbai, January 9, 2025** – Laxman Hake, an OBC activist, sharply criticized Maratha quota campaigner Manoj Jarange-Patil and BJP MLA Suresh Dhas for allegedly downplaying the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a Maratha sarpanch in Maharashtra’s Beed district. Deshmukh was abducted and murdered in December 2024 after opposing extortion attempts linked to a windmill project. Seven suspects, mostly from the Vanjari OBC community, have been arrested.

The incident has ignited political tensions, with accusations flying between ruling and opposition parties. Mr. Hake accused Mr. Jarange-Patil and Mr. Dhas of politicizing the murder, alleging that Mr. Dhas’s stance shifted after the recent Assembly elections. He further criticized Mr. Dhas for his alleged past actions against NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, a Vanjari leader who is now facing calls for his resignation due to alleged involvement of his aide in the case.

Mr. Hake condemned the rising caste-based rhetoric surrounding the case, stating that the focus on Mr. Munde is unjust and is creating fear within the OBC community. He also dismissed Mr. Jarange-Patil as an “accidental leader” with limited understanding of reservation issues. He further criticized NCP leader Sharad Pawar for not visiting the family of another victim, Somnath Suryavanshi, who died in judicial custody last month. Mr. Hake called for justice for both victims while emphasizing the need to de-escalate the growing caste tensions.

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