All-party team demands Minister Dhananjay Munde’s resignation over sarpanch murder case

Former MP Sambhaji Raje leads delegation urging Maharashtra Governor to intervene in murder case, NCP seeks protection for public representatives.

An all-party delegation led by former MP Sambhaji Raje on Monday (January 6, 2025) urged Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan to intervene in the Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case and ensure transparency in the investigation. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar wrote a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking protection for public representatives.

The appeal submitted to the Governor, included demand for Minister Dhananjay Munde’s resignation “considering the involvement and possible interference in this case” and the accused Walmik Karad to be booked under BNS 103 (old IPC 302 murder). NCP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday dismissed demands for the resignation of Minister Munde, calling them premature and unwarranted.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Mr. Bhujbal said Mr. Fadnavis had already assured a comprehensive investigation into the case.

Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed, was abducted, tortured, and murdered on December 9, allegedly for opposing an extortion attempt targeting an energy firm operating a windmill project. Mr. Karad, an associate of Mr. Munde, has been arrested in connection with the extortion case.

“The Chief Minister has assured a thorough inquiry. Action will be taken against anyone found guilty, regardless of their connections to the political establishment. So, why demand Mr. Munde’s resignation before the investigation even concludes? Has the probe revealed anything incriminating so far? Calling for someone’s resignation before any findings is unfair,” Mr. Bhujbal said.

Mr. Sambhaji Raje called Deshmukh’s killing the murder of humanity and it was beyond the caste-religion dynamics. “The inhuman torture and brutal killing of Deshmukh reflects the deteriorating law and order situation in Beed. The charges under which Karad is booked can easily get him out of jail, so we requested the Governor to ensure he is charged under Section 302.”

NCP (SP) leader Bajrang Sonawane, Jitendra Awhad, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, BJP legislator Suresh Dhas, Minister of State, Economic Development Board Narendra Annasaheb Patil, and others joined Mr. Sambhajiraje.