Opposition Demands Dhananjay Munde Be Named Co-Accused In Beed Sarpanch Murder Case

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has faced sharp criticism from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) following the resignation of Minister Dhananjay Munde after his close aide Valmik Karad was sent to judicial custody in an extortion case allegedly linked to the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district. Leaders from various parties, including Aaditya Thackeray (UBT), Rohit Pawar (NCP) and BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, have demanded that Munde be named as a coaccused in the case.

Munde’s resignation came amid mounting pressure after disturbing photos from the court chargesheet regarding the murder of the sarpanch, Santosh Deshmukh, surfaced. Reports revealed that Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and killed on December 9, 2023, allegedly for attempting to stop an extortion racket targeting an energy company in Beed.

UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray questioned the delay in Munde’s resignation. He criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, stating, “If Fadnavis had seen the photos earlier, why did it take so long to seek Munde’s resignation? Has someone tied his hands, preventing him from making quick decisions? He must answer.” He further questioned the conflicting reasons given for Munde’s resignation, “Ajit Pawar claims it was on moral grounds, while Munde cites health issues. The public deserves to know the real reason.” NCP leader Supriya Sule supported Thackeray’s claims, pointing out that the government had access to the photos and footage 84 days ago. She asked why Munde was allowed to remain in office for so long despite this evidence.

UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray demanded the dismissal of the Devendra Fadnavis-led government and imposition of President’s rule in Maharashtra in view of the “deteriorating” law and order situation in the state. Rohit Pawar, another NCP leader, linked Munde directly to the case, stating,“The extortion meeting happened at Munde’s bungalow. If it all started there, then a fair investigation must be conducted, and Munde should be made a co-accused.” Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil argued that Munde’s resignation was not enough and demanded that murder charges be invoked against him over the killing of Deshmukh.

BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, who has been vocal about the Massajog murder case, thanked CM Fadnavis for ensuring Munde’s resignation. He stated, “I have always raised concerns about this case. People accused me of talking too much, but now it is clear that I was right. The CM was always supportive on this issue.”

‘Breach of Privilege Motion’

Senior Congress leader Nana Patole accused CM Fadnavis of concealing crucial information about the case from the legislature. He alleged that instead of informing the Assembly, Fadnavis announced Munde’s resignation directly to the media, calling it an “insult to the House. “We will bring a privilege motion against the Chief Minister for misleading the legislature and the public,” he said.