Beed sarpanch murder: Leaders meet Maharashtra Governor for Dhananjay Munde’s removal from Cabinet

Cutting across party lines, leaders call on Governor; urge him to ensure free and fair probe into the killing of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh

Mumbai: Political leaders cutting across party lines on Monday called on Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, urging him to remove Dhananjay Munde from the State Cabinet to ensure a free and fair probe into the killing of Beed Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

Amid the controversy and demand for his ouster from the Cabinet, Munde met Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar on Monday. However, details of the meeting were not available. The delegation, comprising Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar and BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, submitted a memorandum to the governor, requesting him to take decisive action on the issue that would help uphold the rule of law and regain public confidence in the dispensation of justice.

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Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was tragically abducted, tortured, and murdered on December 9, allegedly in retaliation for his efforts to prevent extortion attempts against an energy firm linked to a windmill project. As part of the investigation, police have so far arrested seven persons connected to the case, including Walmik Karad, an aide to Munde. Karad’s involvement has raised eyebrows, particularly following his public surrender via a social media video on December 31, 2024.

The event attracted large crowds at the CID headquarters in Pune, leading to concerns over potential disorder and preferential treatment. The leaders have demanded Munde’s resignation, a murder case against Karad, strict action against negligent police officials, and measures to curb extortion and hooliganism in Beed. Dhas, the only legislator from the ruling dispensation part of the delegation, rubbished Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s claims that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had supported his tirade against Karad.

Dhas has levelled several allegations against Karad and his associates and hinted that Munde supported Karad. The BJP MLA said, “The chief minister has not asked me to say things. He (Fadnavis) would have told me if he disapproved of whatever I have said and done so far. He could have asked me to stop, but he hasn’t.”

Talking to reporters, Dhas also dismissed that his aggressive stand in the matter has caused a rift between the Maratha and Wanjari communities. He claimed, “Ninety per cent of the Wanjari community has condemned Deshmukh’s murder. Karad and his associates have even extorted other Wanjari leaders in Beed and harassed them. They did so on behest of some sugar mills.”

Addressing a press conference later, Wadettiwar said the delegation has demanded that Munde resign from the post till a chargesheet is filed in the murder case. He said the delegation sought a fair inquiry in the case without any pressure. The Congress leader claimed that Karad was the mastermind of the crime and sought a murder case against him. He said officers in the CID’s special investigation team (SIT) connected to Karad should be removed. Last week, Munde, who holds the food and civil supplies portfolio, said there can be no influence from his side as a minister, as the probe has been handed over to the CID.