Tue Mar 04 08:24:57 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde Resigns Amidst Sarpanch Murder Scandal

**Mumbai, March 4, 2025** – Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde has resigned from his post following the arrest of his close aide, Walmik Karad, in connection with the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and murdered in December 2024 after attempting to stop an extortion attempt against an energy company.

The Crime Investigation Department (CID) filed a 1,200-page charge sheet on February 27th, detailing the murder and related extortion attempts. Seven individuals have been arrested and charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), with one still at large. Karad is named as a key accused.

Munde announced his resignation on X, citing his conscience and health concerns. He expressed deep sadness over the gruesome nature of Deshmukh’s murder. Opposition parties had been demanding his resignation following the CID’s revelations. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accepted Munde’s resignation. Discussions regarding the political and legal ramifications reportedly took place between Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Munde, previously the guardian minister of Beed, held the portfolios of food and civil supplies. He has faced previous controversies, including a recent domestic violence conviction and allegations of an ₹88 crore scam in the agriculture department, which he denies. A former BJP member, he joined the Nationalist Congress Party in 2013.

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