Maharashtra:- In a significant political development in Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde resigned from his ministerial position on March 4, 2025, following public outrage over the brutal murder of Beed district sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
The Incident
Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted and murdered on December 9, 2024. The assailants allegedly targeted Deshmukh after he opposed an extortion attempt directed at a windmill company operating in the area. The gruesome nature of the crime came to light when photos and videos depicting Deshmukh’s torture and murder surfaced online, sparking widespread outrage and leading to a bandh (shutdown) in Beed.
Connection to Dhananjay Munde
The controversy surrounding Munde intensified due to the arrest of his close aide, Walmik Karad, in connection with the murder. Karad, a former NCP corporator, was implicated in the crime, leading to allegations about Munde’s indirect involvement. Despite Munde’s assertions of innocence and his demand for the harshest punishment for the perpetrators, opposition parties demanded his resignation to ensure an impartial investigation.
Resignation and Political Reactions
Facing mounting pressure, Munde submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, citing health reasons and the need for medical treatment. He reiterated his call for severe punishment for those involved in Deshmukh’s murder. Chief Minister Fadnavis accepted the resignation and forwarded it to the Governor for further action.
Opposition leaders criticized the government for its delayed response. Congress MLA Nana Patole accused the administration of protecting the guilty and highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra. He questioned when action would be taken against other ministers allegedly involved in similar incidents.
Current Status
As of now, the investigation into Santosh Deshmukh’s murder continues, with several arrests made, including that of Karad. The case has raised concerns about political patronage and lawlessness in the region, prompting calls for comprehensive reforms to ensure justice and restore public trust in the state’s governance.
