Protests and Political Fallout Escalate Over Beed Sarpanch's Brutal Murder

The killing of Santosh Deshmukh has led to mass protests, allegations of political shielding, and demands for arrests and resignations in Maharashtra.

Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed, was murdered on December 9 after opposing an extortion attempt tied to wind power operations.
Key suspect Walmik Karad, allegedly linked to NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, remains at large, raising accusations of political interference in the investigation.
Thousands, including political leaders and activists, have participated in protests demanding justice, with Deshmukh's teenage daughter calling for swift action.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has transferred the case to the CID, ordered property attachments of absconding suspects, and initiated gun license reviews in Beed.
The incident has intensified political tensions, with opposition leaders and some BJP members demanding Munde's resignation over his alleged connections to Karad.