Wed Feb 26 00:16:14 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Sarpanch Murder: Family’s Hunger Strike Demands Justice
**Beed, Maharashtra, February 26, 2025** – The family and villagers of slain sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh launched a two-day hunger strike on Tuesday, demanding a swift investigation into his December 9, 2024 murder. The protest follows growing dissatisfaction with the police investigation and allegations of negligence and potential complicity.
Deshmukh’s murder, linked to an extortion case involving a close aide of NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, has sparked political turmoil in Beed. The protesters presented seven demands, including the immediate arrest of absconding suspect Krushna Andhale, the arrest of officers Prashant Mahajan and Rajesh Patil, and the appointment of prominent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam to the case. They also demand an investigation into why Deshmukh’s body wasn’t taken to Kaij hospital for autopsy.
Dhananjay Deshmukh, the slain sarpanch’s brother, stated that despite meeting with Beed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat on Monday, key details remained unaddressed. The family plans to file an appeal for a reinvestigation. SP Kanwat indicated that the inquiry would proceed based on written demands.
NCP leader Supriya Sule criticized the police’s failure to apprehend the accused, calling it suspicious and urging a thorough investigation. She further condemned the need for the family to resort to a hunger strike for justice, highlighting the situation on X (formerly Twitter). The protest underscores the ongoing tension and demands for accountability in the case.
First Piper 