Maharashtra Sarpanch Murder Sparks Political Turmoil and Calls for Accountability
The killing of Beed's Santosh Deshmukh has led to allegations against a minister's aide, opposition demands for action, and a judicial inquiry announcement.
- Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted and murdered on December 9, allegedly involving Valmiki Karad, an aide to Guardian Minister Dhananjay Munde.
- The incident has triggered widespread political outrage, with opposition leaders demanding Munde's dismissal and an all-party march planned for December 28 to press for arrests.
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a judicial inquiry and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case, while also transferring the district's superintendent of police.
- Fadnavis defended his decision not to visit the affected families, emphasizing swift government action over symbolic visits, and vowed to prevent further hooliganism in Beed.
- The murder has intensified existing tensions in Maharashtra, with links to the Maratha agitation and broader concerns over law and order in the state.
Free Press Journal 
Hindustan Times 
