Summary: In a significant political development, Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde has resigned from his post after his close aide, Walmik Karad, was arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch from Beed district. The resignation comes amid mounting pressure on the state government to take action following the revelations of a gruesome crime that has shaken the political landscape.
Minister Steps Down Amid Controversy
Dhananjay Munde, who served as the Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, tendered his resignation on the directive of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The decision follows the filing of a 1,200-page charge sheet by the Crime Investigation Department (CID), implicating Karad in the December 9 murder of Deshmukh.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Munde expressed his commitment to justice and called for strict action against those responsible for the crime. “Seeing the photos that surfaced yesterday, I was deeply saddened. The investigation has been completed, and the charge sheet has been filed. A judicial inquiry is also proposed,” Munde stated. He cited health concerns as an additional reason for his resignation, claiming that doctors had advised him to seek treatment.
Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that he had accepted Munde’s resignation and forwarded it to Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan. Sources indicate that the decision was reached following discussions with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to assess the political fallout of the case.
The Chilling Murder of Santosh Deshmukh
The brutal killing of Santosh Deshmukh, the 45-year-old sarpanch of Massajog village, has sparked outrage across the state. According to the CID’s investigation, Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and murdered after he attempted to prevent an extortion attempt against Avaada, an energy company operating in the region.
On December 9, Deshmukh was forcibly taken from a toll plaza in Dongaon and transported in an SUV towards Kej taluka. He was discovered later that evening in an unconscious state at Daithna Shivar and was declared dead upon arrival at a local hospital. The CID report details the horrific extent of the torture he endured for over two hours, including beatings with gas pipes, iron rods, and sharp weapons.
Shocking Evidence and Video Documentation
The charge sheet filed by the CID includes disturbing video evidence captured by the accused. Investigators have recovered 15 videos, eight photographs, and two video calls documenting Deshmukh’s torture and eventual death.
One of the videos reportedly shows five individuals thrashing Deshmukh with a white pipe and wooden stick while kicking and punching him. Another distressing clip allegedly captures one of the perpetrators urinating on the bleeding victim. The brutality of the crime has intensified public and political demands for swift and severe justice.
Legal Actions and Political Ramifications
The Maharashtra police have invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against eight accused individuals. Seven arrests have been made, while one suspect remains on the run. Karad’s involvement, coupled with his close association with Munde, has intensified scrutiny on the state’s political leadership.
The case has also deepened rifts within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Munde, who joined the NCP in 2013 and later sided with Ajit Pawar after the party’s split in 2023, has previously held key positions, including Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council. His resignation marks a significant setback for the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, already grappling with internal discord and external pressures.
A Defining Moment for Maharashtra Politics
The resignation of Dhananjay Munde amid a high-profile murder case underscores the intertwining of crime and politics in Maharashtra. As investigations progress, the state government faces the challenge of ensuring justice while maintaining political stability. The case has already sent shockwaves through the administration and is likely to influence upcoming elections, shaping public perception of law and order in the state.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 1:14 pm by Outlook News Team | Published by: Outlook News Team on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 1:14 pm | News Categories: News
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