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Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde Resigns Amid Murder Scandal
Maharashtra's Minister of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, Dhananjay Munde, resigned on Tuesday following mounting pressure related to the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The resignation, accepted by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and forwarded to the Governor, comes after the arrest of Munde's close aide, Walmik Karad, who is implicated in the brutal December 2024 killing. The case, involving alleged extortion and the graphic torture of Deshmukh, has sparked widespread outrage and political turmoil.
The Murder of Santosh Deshmukh and Karad's Arrest
Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered on December 9, 2024. His murder is allegedly linked to a Rs 2 crore extortion attempt targeting an energy firm. Walmik Karad, a close associate of Minister Munde, was arrested and charged with being the mastermind behind the crime. A disturbing 1800-page charge sheet, including graphic photos and videos, solidified the accusations against Karad and highlighted the alleged extortion attempt. The CID investigation, involving over 180 witnesses, linked Karad to the crime through digital evidence and voice samples.
Munde's Resignation and Political Fallout
While initially resisting calls for his resignation, Munde ultimately stepped down after Chief Minister Fadnavis reportedly insisted on it. The opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, had vehemently demanded Munde's resignation, criticizing the government for its perceived inaction and protection of the minister. The release of graphic evidence of the murder accelerated the calls for accountability. Even within the ruling coalition, pressure mounted leading to Munde's eventual decision. NCP President and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar stated the party would assess Munde’s resignation following investigations and court proceedings, referencing a previous instance where Munde had resigned on moral grounds.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Ramifications
The state CID's charge sheet against Karad, filed last week, includes strong evidence, including voice samples and CCTV footage linking him to the crime. With the appointment of senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam as special prosecutor, the case is expected to proceed swiftly. The extensive evidence presented in the charge sheet makes it challenging for the accused to secure bail. The ongoing investigation and subsequent trial will determine the ultimate fate of all involved, including the still-at-large suspect, Krishna Andhale.
Conclusion
The Dhananjay Munde resignation marks a significant turning point in the ongoing investigation into the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh. While the resignation addresses immediate political pressure, the long-term consequences of this case will continue to unfold as the legal process moves forward and the state confronts the serious law and order implications raised by the crime.
