Massive protest in Beed over murder of sarpanch; demand for Munde’s sacking intensifies

The alleged murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massejog village in Beed district, has triggered massive protests and a political storm in Maharashtra. Mr. Deshmukh was allegedly abducted, tortured, and killed on December 9 for opposing an extortion racket targeting a windmill company.

On Saturday (December 28, 2024), thousands, including legislators from both ruling MahaYuti and Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, gathered to demand justice for the sarpanch. The protest, dubbed the “Aakrosh Morcha” (March of Anger), saw participation from political leaders across party lines, social activists, and members of the Maratha community.

Prominent participants included Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje of the Kolhapur royal family, BJP MLAs Suresh Dhas and Abhimanyu Pawar, NCP MLAs Prakash Solanke and Sandeep Kshirsagar, and NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad. The protestors demanded the immediate arrest of Walmik Karad, a close associate of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, who has been accused of being linked to the crime.

During the rally, Mr. Deshmukh’s daughter, Vaibhavi, made an emotional appeal, saying, “Please give justice to my father.”

“My father gave his life trying to save someone from the Dalit community. He stood for justice, and now we demand the same for him,” she said.

Mr. Abhimanyu Pawar, BJP MLA from Ausa and a former aide to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, criticised the government’s inaction. “Even as a part of the ruling dispensation, I must say this: if the accused are not arrested soon, these protests will spread across Maharashtra. Justice for Santosh Deshmukh’s family cannot wait,” he said.

His party colleague, Mr. Dhas accused Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Munde of benefiting from irregularities during elections. “Munde won the Parli assembly seat using bogus votes. His association with accused individuals like Karad raises serious concerns,” Mr.Dhas alleged.

NCP MLA Mr. Solanke echoed these sentiments, demanding Mr. Munde’s resignation. “Nineteen days have passed, and some of the accused, including Walmik Karad, are still at large. To ensure an impartial investigation, Munde must step down until the accused are convicted,” the Majalgaon MLA said.

While Mr. Jarange-Patil warned of statewide agitation if the government failed to act decisively. “If the accused are not arrested and those shielding them are not exposed, the Maratha community will not stay silent. There’s a growing suspicion that the government is protecting the culprits,” he said. case.

“If the Chief Minister truly wants peace in the state, he must ensure swift action. The accused must be brought to justice, no matter how powerful they are,” Mr.Jarange-Patil said. The Shiv Sena (UBT) also demanded the resignations of both Mr. Munde and his cousin, BJP leader and minister Pankaja Munde.

The case has intensified scrutiny on Mr. Munde, as one of the suspects, Mr. Karad, is allegedly a close associate of his. Protesters have called for Mr. Munde’s resignation and Mr. Karad’s immediate arrest.

Police investigations suggest that Deshmukh was targeted for opposing an extortion racket linked to a windmill company in Beed. Local NCP leader Vishnu Chate allegedly demanded ₹2 crore from the company, threatening to disrupt its operations. Mr. Deshmukh, who intervened, was subsequently abducted and murdered.

Four people, including Chate, have been arrested. However, Mr. Karad remains at large.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray announced plans to meet the families of both Deshmukh and Somnath Suryavanshi in early January. “The Sena (UBT) president will visit Parbhani and Beed to express solidarity with the victims’ families,” the party MP Sanjay Raut said.

Last week, NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also met the families. Mr. Gandhi alleged that Suryavanshi was targeted for defending the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule criticised Mr. Dhas for making public remarks and urged him to directly share evidence with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “Such statements could hinder the investigation,” Mr. Bawankule said. Mr. Fadnavis has assured the legislature that all culprits, irrespective of their political affiliations, will face justice.

Initially handled by a Special Investigation Team, the case has now been transferred to the Maharashtra State CID. Meanwhile, graphic images of Mr. Deshmukh’s body circulated on social media, sparking widespread outrage and protests across Beed.