Mumbai, March 4: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reportedly asked state minister Dhananjay Munde to step down following allegations linking his close aide, Walmik Karad, to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Sources confirmed the development on Tuesday.
According to insider reports, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar met Fadnavis late on Monday to discuss the political and legal implications of the Criminal Investigation Department's (CID) chargesheet in the case. The chargesheet, filed on February 27, spans over 1,200 pages and implicates Karad as accused number one in Deshmukh's murder, as well as in two related cases.
Authorities have registered three separate cases at Kej police station in Beed—Deshmukh’s murder, an extortion attempt on Avaada Energy, and an assault on the company's security guard. In response, law enforcement has invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused.
The directive for Munde’s resignation could have significant implications for the state’s political landscape, especially with the involvement of key NCP figures. As the case unfolds, further political and legal actions are expected in the coming days.
According to insider reports, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar met Fadnavis late on Monday to discuss the political and legal implications of the Criminal Investigation Department's (CID) chargesheet in the case. The chargesheet, filed on February 27, spans over 1,200 pages and implicates Karad as accused number one in Deshmukh's murder, as well as in two related cases.
Munde's Political Role and Connection to the Case
Dhananjay Munde, currently serving as Maharashtra's Food and Civil Supplies Minister, represents the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as an MLA from Parli in Beed district. Previously, he held the position of guardian minister for Beed. At present, NCP leader and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar oversees Beed and Pune districts as the guardian minister.The Sarpanch Murder Case: A Political Storm
The case revolves around the abduction, torture, and murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed, on December 9, 2023. He was allegedly targeted for opposing an extortion attempt linked to an energy company operating in the district.Authorities have registered three separate cases at Kej police station in Beed—Deshmukh’s murder, an extortion attempt on Avaada Energy, and an assault on the company's security guard. In response, law enforcement has invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused.
Legal and Political Repercussions
So far, seven individuals have been arrested and charged under MCOCA, with one accused still absconding. Given Karad’s alleged involvement and his close association with Munde, the case has led to heightened political tensions in Maharashtra.The directive for Munde’s resignation could have significant implications for the state’s political landscape, especially with the involvement of key NCP figures. As the case unfolds, further political and legal actions are expected in the coming days.
