Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde has resigned from his post following the arrest of his close aide, Walmik Karad, in connection with the brutal murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district. Munde, who held the food and civil supplies portfolio, stepped down under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ directive, citing both the seriousness of the case and his own deteriorating health. He expressed deep sorrow over the emergence of disturbing images related to the crime and emphasized his demand for the harshest punishment for those responsible. The decision was taken after discussions with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who assessed the political implications of the case.
The case revolves around the horrifying abduction and killing of Santosh Deshmukh, who was allegedly targeted for opposing an extortion attempt on an energy company. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) filed a 1,200-page chargesheet, revealing shocking details of his torture and murder on December 9. Deshmukh was kidnapped at a toll plaza, severely beaten for hours using rods, sticks, and sharp weapons, and later dumped by the roadside, where he succumbed to his injuries. The chargesheet highlights the assailants’ brutality, stating that they recorded multiple videos and photos of the attack, even making video calls to document the torture. Among the eight accused, seven have been arrested under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), while one remains at large.
Dhananjay Munde, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics and an MLA from Beed’s Parli constituency, has a history of political shifts. Formerly the Leader of Opposition in the legislative council, he joined Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP after the party’s split in 2023. His resignation marks a significant political fallout, with the state government under pressure to act decisively against those involved in the crime. Governor CP Radhakrishnan has received Munde’s resignation, signaling a swift response to the controversy. Meanwhile, the case continues to unfold as authorities pursue further investigations into the shocking crime.
