Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Feb 3 (PTI): Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has claimed that Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde met him before the state elections last year, accompanied by Walmik Karad, who was later arrested in an extortion case linked to the brutal murder of a sarpanch.
Munde, the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies and a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA from Beed district, has been facing mounting political pressure following Karad's arrest in connection with the December 2024 murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village.
The opposition has intensified calls for Munde’s resignation to ensure an impartial probe into the high-profile murder case.
Sarpanch’s Murder and Extortion Case
Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and killed on December 9, 2024, allegedly for attempting to thwart an extortion bid targeting an energy firm in Beed district. So far, seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder, while accused Krushna Andhale remains absconding. Karad, who was arrested in the extortion case, is currently in judicial custody.Jarange’s Claims on Meeting Munde and Karad
When asked about Munde’s alleged visit, Jarange confirmed, "Everyone was meeting me during the elections. He (Munde) came to me, and Walmik Karad was also with him at that time."Jarange, who was in the process of contesting the state elections in November 2024, stated that although he initially hesitated to meet them, he eventually agreed. "They were waiting outside, so I went to meet them. Munde spoke to me about Karad," he recounted from a hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
According to Jarange, he confronted Munde about Karad’s alleged involvement in financial embezzlement concerning people seeking harvester machines. "I told Karad to return the money through an activist from Gevrai, who was also known to him. Later, I met him again when he came with Munde," he added, without specifying the location of the meeting.
Allegations of Political Cover for Accused Andhale
Regarding the fugitive accused, Krushna Andhale, Jarange alleged that he was being shielded by political influences. "It’s the same gang. Munde and Karad have been seen together in photographs. They are misleading the investigation in the sarpanch case," he charged.The activist further claimed that Andhale might be hiding nearby, suggesting, "He has been kept hidden because he may possess key information, and revealing it could expose certain truths."
Caste Tensions and Political Fallout
The sarpanch’s murder has stirred caste-related tensions, as Deshmukh was a Maratha, while most of the accused belong to the Vanjari community, a dominant group in Beed district. Leaders from both opposition and ruling parties have demanded Munde’s resignation, citing alleged links between his aide Karad and the murder case.Jarange, who has been actively advocating for Maratha reservation under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, ended his five-day indefinite fast on January 30 after receiving assurances from government representatives that several of his demands would be met.
As the controversy unfolds, political pressure continues to mount on Munde, with demands for an unbiased investigation gaining momentum.
