Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: The gruesome murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch from Maharashtra’s Beed, has triggered massive outrage, leading to the resignation of state minister Dhananjay Munde. The investigation into the killing has revealed horrific details of abduction, hours of torture, and brutal execution, allegedly orchestrated by Munde’s close aide Walmik Karad.
A ₹2 Crore Extortion Bid Led to Murder
The Mumbai-based Avaada Green Energy company had been working on a wind energy project in Beed’s Massajog village. However, local criminals saw an opportunity for extortion and kidnappings.
• In May 2024, Sudarshan Ghule, a crime syndicate leader, kidnapped Avaada’s project officer and demanded a ₹2 crore extortion.
• The company’s officials were threatened that operations would be shut down if they failed to comply.
• Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch, opposed this extortion racket, fearing that it would drive investors away and affect local livelihoods.
• On December 6, Deshmukh confronted the accused when Avaada employees were attacked at their office.
• Three days later, he was abducted and killed.
Brutal Torture Captured on Video
Deshmukh was kidnapped on December 9 at Dongaon toll plaza and later found unconscious in Daithna Shivar. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead.
According to the 1,200-page chargesheet, Deshmukh was tortured for over two hours using:
✔ Gas pipes
✔ Iron rods
✔ Wooden sticks and sharp weapons
The attackers recorded 15 videos, took eight photos, and even made two video calls documenting their brutality.
• In one video, five accused are seen thrashing him with a white pipe and wooden stick.
• Another video shows an accused urinating on him as he bleeds heavily.
Political Fallout: Munde Resigns Under Pressure
The key accused Walmik Karad, a close aide of Dhananjay Munde, was allegedly the mastermind behind the murder.
• As details emerged, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar held meetings to discuss the political implications.
• The Opposition demanded Munde’s resignation, intensifying pressure on the government.
• On March 3, 2025, Munde stepped down, citing both moral responsibility and health reasons.
Caste Politics Behind the Killing
The Maratha-Vanjari rivalry in Marathwada has added another layer to the case.
• Santosh Deshmukh was a Maratha and had campaigned for BJP leader Pankaja Munde in the Lok Sabha elections.
• The accused—Karad, Ghule, and Chate—belong to the Vanjari community.
• BJP’s Maratha leader Suresh Dhasm and other Maratha leaders have demanded strict action.
What’s Next?
With CID filing a chargesheet and the judicial probe underway, all eyes are on:
• The trial proceedings against Walmik Karad and other accused.
• The Maharashtra government’s action on curbing political-criminal nexus.
