Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has faced sharp criticism from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) following the resignation of Minister Dhananjay Munde after his close aide Valmik Karad was sent to judicial custody in an extortion case allegedly linked to the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district. Leaders from various parties, including Aaditya Thackeray (UBT), Rohit Pawar (NCP) and BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, have demanded that Munde be named as a coaccused in the case.

Munde’s resignation came amid mounting pressure after disturbing photos from the court chargesheet regarding the murder of the sarpanch, Santosh Deshmukh, surfaced. Reports revealed that Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and killed on December 9, 2023, allegedly for attempting to stop an extortion racket targeting an energy company in Beed.

UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray questioned the delay in Munde’s resignation. He criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, stating, “If Fadnavis had seen the photos earlier, why did it take so long to seek Munde’s resignation? Has someone tied his hands, preventing him from making quick decisions? He must answer.” He further questioned the conflicting reasons given for Munde’s resignation, “Ajit Pawar claims it was on moral grounds, while Munde cites health issues. The public deserves to know the real reason.” NCP leader Supriya Sule supported Thackeray’s claims, pointing out that the government had access to the photos and footage 84 days ago. She asked why Munde was allowed to remain in office for so long despite this evidence.

UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray demanded the dismissal of the Devendra Fadnavis-led government and imposition of President’s rule in Maharashtra in view of the “deteriorating” law and order situation in the state. Rohit Pawar, another NCP leader, linked Munde directly to the case, stating,“The extortion meeting happened at Munde’s bungalow. If it all started there, then a fair investigation must be conducted, and Munde should be made a co-accused.” Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil argued that Munde’s resignation was not enough and demanded that murder charges be invoked against him over the killing of Deshmukh.

BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, who has been vocal about the Massajog murder case, thanked CM Fadnavis for ensuring Munde’s resignation. He stated, “I have always raised concerns about this case. People accused me of talking too much, but now it is clear that I was right. The CM was always supportive on this issue.”

‘Breach of Privilege Motion’

Senior Congress leader Nana Patole accused CM Fadnavis of concealing crucial information about the case from the legislature. He alleged that instead of informing the Assembly, Fadnavis announced Munde’s resignation directly to the media, calling it an “insult to the House. “We will bring a privilege motion against the Chief Minister for misleading the legislature and the public,” he said.

Alwar, Rajasthan: A one-month-old infant, Alisba, died after allegedly being crushed under a police officer’s foot during a raid in Alwar’s Raghunathgarh village on Sunday (March 2) morning.

The raid, conducted at around 6:00 AM at the house of daily-wage labourer Imran Khan, was led by head constables Girdhari and Jagveer, along with constables Sunil, Rishi, and Shahid.

As per reports, Imran claimed that the police entered their house without warning while his wife was asleep with their one-month-old daughter, who was wrapped in a blanket.

“When I was sleeping on the cot with my infant daughter, the policemen arrived all of a sudden, pulled me out, and sent me out of the room. They also pulled my husband out. They stepped on my infant daughter’s head and killed her. This is murder, and I want justice,” Razida Khan, the mother of the deceased girl, told media.

After the police ignored the family’s complaint, angry villagers gathered outside the Alwar SP (Rural) residence, staging a protest demanding justice.

As per the report, ASP Tejpal Singh confirmed that an FIR was filed against unidentified police personnel, and Imran Khan’s family was assured of action.

Following this, Alwar SP Sanjeev Nain sent the accused officials to police lines. Police sources said the raid was linked to a cybercrime case, but Imran Khan was not named in any FIR. Imran denied any role in online fraud and claimed that the police seized his phone during the raid.

Condemning the incident, Rajasthan LoP Tika Ram Jully urged the Chief Minister to take stringent action against the responsible. “In Alwar, the police are harassing the public in the name of cyber fraud. Raids are being conducted, and money is extorted. I raised this issue in the Vidhan Sabha as well. An infant died during the raid by the police. The Chief Minister should take cognizance and ensure that the public is not harassed. Action should be taken against those responsible, but the public should not be harassed,” he told media.

Beed (Maharashtra): Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has said that the resignation of Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde is not enough and has demanded that murder charges be filed against him in connection with the killing of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

Munde, who was Maharashtra’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister and an MLA from Parli, resigned from the state cabinet after his close aide, Walmik Karad, was identified as the mastermind behind Deshmukh’s murder. His resignation followed mounting pressure from the opposition and public outrage over the brutal killing.

Visit to Massajog and Calls for Strict Action

Jarange visited Massajog village in Beed to meet Deshmukh’s family after graphic images of the murder went viral. Speaking to reporters, he stated, “Munde’s resignation as a minister is not enough. He should also step down as an MLA, and murder charges should be filed against him.”

He alleged that the accused in the case were closely associated with Munde and that the money collected through their activities was reaching him.

The Case & Investigation

The demand for Munde’s resignation intensified after shocking details emerged in the court chargesheet, revealing the brutalities committed before Deshmukh’s murder.

Deshmukh was allegedly abducted, tortured, and killed on December 9, 2023, for attempting to stop an extortion racket targeting an energy company in the district.

On February 27, the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) filed a 1,200-page chargesheet in a Beed district court, detailing Deshmukh’s murder and two related cases.

Fighting For Justice

Jarange emphasized the need to dismantle the extortion network in Beed, stating, “The only job now is to destroy this racket. But some people are so consumed by money and power that they will go to any extent for it.”

Deshmukh’s brother, Dhananjay Deshmukh, said the past few months had been unbearable and had left him emotionally shattered. He also alleged that some politicians had pressured the former superintendent of police in Beed to suppress the case.

With public outrage growing, demands for stricter action against those involved are gaining momentum, keeping the case in the political spotlight.