Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Feb 4 (PTI) – Mahant Shivaji Maharaj of Narayangad, a revered seer from Maharashtra’s Beed district, visited the family of slain Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh on Tuesday, offering solace and support in the wake of his tragic murder. Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and killed on December 9, 2024, allegedly for attempting to prevent an extortion attempt targeting an energy firm in Beed.
The brutal murder has sparked a major political controversy, with seven individuals arrested so far. Among those linked to the case is Walmik Karad, an associate of Maharashtra NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, who has been taken into custody in connection with the extortion case.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Deshmukh’s family, Mahant Shivaji Maharaj emphasized the importance of standing by the grieving family. "We came to offer our support and ease their pain, even if just a little. They had earlier visited Narayangad, but I was unavailable at the time. I had assured them over the phone that I would visit Massajog, and today, we have fulfilled that promise," he stated.
Another religious leader, Bodhale Maharaj, who also visited the family, condemned the murder, calling it deeply unfortunate. "People turn to saints in times of distress, knowing they can share their grief with us," he remarked.
When asked whether political influence ("rajsatta") was hindering justice in the Deshmukh case, Bodhale Maharaj responded cautiously, stating, "It is difficult to comment on such matters until the case reaches its logical conclusion." He added that the government and police were conducting the investigation within their capacity and urged the public to stand in solidarity with Deshmukh's family.
The case continues to stir political tension in the region, as authorities push forward with their probe into the murder and extortion allegations.
The brutal murder has sparked a major political controversy, with seven individuals arrested so far. Among those linked to the case is Walmik Karad, an associate of Maharashtra NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, who has been taken into custody in connection with the extortion case.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Deshmukh’s family, Mahant Shivaji Maharaj emphasized the importance of standing by the grieving family. "We came to offer our support and ease their pain, even if just a little. They had earlier visited Narayangad, but I was unavailable at the time. I had assured them over the phone that I would visit Massajog, and today, we have fulfilled that promise," he stated.
Another religious leader, Bodhale Maharaj, who also visited the family, condemned the murder, calling it deeply unfortunate. "People turn to saints in times of distress, knowing they can share their grief with us," he remarked.
When asked whether political influence ("rajsatta") was hindering justice in the Deshmukh case, Bodhale Maharaj responded cautiously, stating, "It is difficult to comment on such matters until the case reaches its logical conclusion." He added that the government and police were conducting the investigation within their capacity and urged the public to stand in solidarity with Deshmukh's family.
The case continues to stir political tension in the region, as authorities push forward with their probe into the murder and extortion allegations.
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