Maharashtra: Dhananjay Munde resigns amid controversy over Beed sarpanch murder

Maharashtra’s minister for food, civil supplies and consumer protection Dhananjay Munde has resigned from his post following mounting pressure over his close aide’s alleged involvement in the murder of Beed’s Massajog sarpanch, Santosh Deshmukh.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has accepted Munde’s resignation and forwarded it to the governor for further action.

On 9 December 2024, Santosh Deshmukh was brutally murdered, reportedly in connection with an extortion case involving the Awada windmill manufacturing company.

Walmik Karad, a close aide of Dhananjay Munde, has been accused of orchestrating the murder. Investigations revealed that Karad had demanded Rs 2 crore from Awada, leading to a violent confrontation. Following this dispute, Deshmukh was abducted and killed.

The case, which initially saw a slow response from local authorities, gained momentum after CM Fadnavis ordered an SIT (special investigation team) probe. The joint investigation by the CID and SIT resulted in the arrest of Walmik Karad and his associates under MCOCA.

A 1,500-page chargesheet was recently filed, naming Karad as the primary conspirator.

Amid growing outrage across Maharashtra, high-level political meetings were held to discuss Munde’s position. On Monday night, 3 March, CM Fadnavis met deputy CM Ajit Pawar, NCP leader Sunil Tatkare and Munde himself at the Devgiri bungalow.

Sources indicate that Fadnavis had been insisting on Munde’s resignation, the latter was initially reluctant. However, after discussions with Ajit Pawar, Munde finally stepped down.

While Munde has not been named as an accused in the chargesheet himself, his proximity to Karad has long fuelled demands for his resignation.

His aides, Prashant Bhamre and Prashant Joshi, were seen at Fadnavis’ residence handing over the resignation. Munde stepped down after the first day of the Maharashtra legislative assembly budget session.

CM Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the resignation, stating, “I have accepted Dhananjay Munde’s resignation and forwarded it to the governor for further action.”

Munde, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), cited health reasons for his resignation. “I have been unwell, and doctors have advised me to seek treatment. Given the situation, I have resigned in good conscience,” he stated.

However, opposition leaders dismissed his explanation, calling it a delayed but necessary decision.

Criticism came from NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad, for instance, who questioned the delay in action. “Why did it take so long when the government was aware of the evidence?” he asked.

Social activist Anjali Damania also lashed out, saying, “This should have happened months ago. The entire state knew about Karad’s criminal background.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray demanded strict action against the accused, stating, “Resignation is not enough. Those responsible should be named in the chargesheet and hanged in broad daylight.”

While Munde’s resignation has eased political pressure on the Fadnavis government for a bit, questions remain regarding his links to the case.

Meanwhile, as legal proceedings in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case continue, calls for swift justice have only grown louder across Maharashtra.