pawar-demands-protection-for-leaders-in-beed-murder-protest

Sharad Pawar has expressed deep concern over the safety of public representatives involved in protests related to the Santosh Deshmukh murder case.

 

In a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Nationalist Congress Party leader requested the state government to provide adequate security measures for those demanding justice in the case, which has sparked widespread unrest across Maharashtra.

 

Pawar’s appeal highlights the growing apprehension among political representatives and locals over the volatile situation.

 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured strict action against the accused, emphasising that no one involved in the crime will be spared. Fadnavis stated that he had personally spoken to Santosh Deshmukh’s brother, offering assurances of a thorough investigation.

 

He pledged that the police would act decisively based on evidence, promising justice for the victim’s family. The Chief Minister also distanced himself from any political controversies surrounding the case, stressing that justice remained his government’s sole priority.

 

The murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, has sent shockwaves throughout the state. Deshmukh was killed on December 9 after he reportedly opposed an extortion bid involving a windmill energy firm operating in the area.

 

According to reports, local leader Vishnu Chate had allegedly demanded Rs 2 crore from the energy company, threatening its operations. Deshmukh’s intervention in the matter allegedly led to his abduction, torture, and subsequent murder.

 

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has condemned the incident as “unfortunate” and assured the formation of a Special Investigation Team to handle the case.

 

Shinde underlined the government’s commitment to delivering justice, assuring that no accused would escape legal action. His statement followed public outrage and demands for swift resolution of the case.

 

The police have filed three separate First Information Reports related to the incident. The first pertains to Deshmukh’s abduction and murder, the second concerns an attack on a windmill firm’s security guard, and the third addresses the Rs 2 crore extortion attempt targeting the energy company.

 

So far, three individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, while one accused, identified as Valmiki Karad, has surrendered to the police.

 

The investigation has revealed the involvement of several suspects, including Sudarshan Ghule and Prateek Ghule, who were reportedly involved in an altercation with a security guard at the project site.

 

Vishnu Chate, the alleged mastermind behind the extortion attempt, has also been arrested. The police are continuing their efforts to uncover further evidence and identify other individuals potentially linked to the crime.