Thu Feb 27 21:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Sarpanch Murder: 1800-Page Chargesheet Filed, Raising Eyebrows
**Mumbai, February 28, 2025** – A 1,800-page chargesheet has been filed in the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch from Maharashtra’s Beed district, raising questions about the speed of the investigation. The chargesheet, filed on February 27th in Beed’s district court, covers three cases: the murder itself, an extortion case involving a close aide of Food Minister Dhananjay Munde, and an assault case.
Eight individuals, including Walmik Karad, an aide to Minister Munde, have been arrested. A ninth accused, Krishna Andhale, remains at large. Police intend to file a supplementary chargesheet upon his arrest.
Deshmukh’s murder, which occurred on December 9, 2024, is allegedly linked to the extortion attempt targeting a windmill company. The swift filing of the chargesheet—just one day after the appointment of lawyer Ujjwal Nikam as public prosecutor—has sparked criticism.
Beed MP and NCP(SP) leader Bajrang Sonawane expressed concern over the hasty filing, questioning the police’s urgency. The case has already put Minister Munde under pressure, with calls for his resignation from both opposition and ruling alliance members. Family members of the deceased sarpanch continue to protest, demanding justice.
First Piper 