The gruesome murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massejog village in Beed district, has sparked state-wide protests and a political crisis in Maharashtra. Deshmukh was reportedly abducted, tortured, and murdered on December 9, 2024, for standing against an extortion racket targeting a windmill company operating in the area. Following the murder, public outrage grew as graphic images of Deshmukh’s body circulated on social media. Not only the murder, but the way in which he was tortured before murder has send chills down the spines of most. Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and killed for opposing an extortion racket linked to a windmill company in the district.
According to police investigations, local NCP leader Vishnu Chate had demanded ₹2 crore from the energy company, threatening to disrupt its operations. When Deshmukh intervened to protect the company, he was targeted. Reports indicate that he was forcibly dragged into an SUV in broad daylight, assaulted for hours, and his lifeless body was later dumped on a road near his village.
Chate and three others have been arrested in connection with the crime. However, one of the key accused, Walmik Karad, an alleged close associate of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, remains at large. This has intensified public outrage, with calls for Munde’s resignation and Karad’s immediate arrest. His daughter, Vaibhavi Deshmukh, made a heartfelt appeal for justice, stating, “My father gave his life trying to save someone from the Dalit community. He stood for justice, and now we demand the same for him.”
December 28, 2024: The Aakrosh morcha
The murder and subsequent protest have exposed fault lines within Maharashtra’s political landscape. NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) president Sharad Pawar and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi previously visited Deshmukh’s family, expressing solidarity. Gandhi linked the case to a larger pattern of threats to constitutional values. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray announced plans to visit Beed and Parbhani in early January to meet the families of both Deshmukh and another victim, Somnath Suryavanshi.
On December 28, the “Aakrosh Morcha” (March of Anger) in Beed brought together thousands of people, including legislators from both the ruling MahaYuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. The protest was a rare show of unity among political rivals, alongside activists, social leaders, and members of the Maratha community, all demanding justice for Deshmukh and his family.
Prominent figures at the rally included Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje, BJP MLAs Suresh Dhas and Abhimanyu Pawar, NCP MLAs Prakash Solanke and Sandeep Kshirsagar, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Jitendra Awhad. Anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania and social activist Dr. Jyoti Mete also joined the protest.
During the rally, Deshmukh’s daughter, Vaibhavi, made an emotional plea, saying, “My father gave his life for justice. He was doing social work and stood for the rights of the people. Now, we demand the same justice for him. Please ensure no one meets a similar fate.”
The murder has led to intense political scrutiny, with accusations of corruption and complicity being levelled against senior politicians. As per multiple media reports, speakers at the protest sharply criticised the government’s alleged inaction. BJP MLA Abhimanyu Pawar declared, “If the accused are not arrested soon, these protests will spread across Maharashtra. Justice cannot wait.” NCP MLA Prakash Solanke demanded that Munde step down, asserting, “To ensure an impartial investigation, Munde must resign until the accused are convicted.”
The protest also saw serious allegations against Munde, who is under scrutiny for his alleged links to the crime. BJP MLA Suresh Dhas accused Munde of winning the Parli Assembly seat using fraudulent means, including bogus votes. Dhas also alleged that Munde’s associate, Karad, controlled key administrative decisions in Beed in exchange for bribes. “Files were cleared only after payments of ₹40 lakh, with ₹9 lakh going directly to Karad,” he claimed. In response, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule cautioned against public statements that could hinder the investigation, urging Dhas to share evidence directly with Chief Minister Fadnavis.
In addition to this, BJP MLA Suresh Dhas alleged that Karad and his “Akka-boss” (a veiled reference to Munde) are linked to a ₹900-crore money laundering operation tied to the Mahadev online betting scandal. This amount, reportedly transferred from Beed, has connections extending as far as Malaysia. Dhas demanded a thorough investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), highlighting the government’s double standards in investigating financial crimes.
Meanwhile, the proliferation of gun licences in Beed has also drawn scrutiny. Social activist Anjali Damania pointed out that Beed has issued 1,222 gun permits, far exceeding neighbouring districts like Parbhani, which has only 32. Damania has called for an investigation into how so many licences were approved and whether political recommendations played a role in enabling the district’s alarming weaponisation.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje expressed deep concern about the deteriorating law and order in Beed. “The district has been in the grip of criminals for years. The government must act decisively to restore justice,” he said. Sambhaji Raje also criticised the district administration for issuing over 1,200 gun licences, alleging that even the minister flaunted weapons in public.
As per the Hindustan Times, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil warned of state-wide agitation if the government failed to act decisively. “If those shielding the accused are not exposed, the Maratha community will not remain silent. The government must ensure justice, no matter how powerful the accused are,” he said.
December 27, 2024: Protest in Latur
On Friday, December 27, 2024, thousands gathered in Latur to demand justice for the brutal murder. The demonstration, fuelled by public outrage and organised by the Sakal Maratha Samaj, underscored mounting pressure on the ruling Mahayuti government to act against those responsible for the crime, including Karad. Protesters alleged that Karad played a key role in orchestrating the murder.
The march commenced at Sane Guruji Vidyalaya and proceeded to the tehsildar’s office, where a memorandum listing key demands was submitted to local authorities. These demands included the swift arrest of all accused individuals, justice for Deshmukh’s grieving family, and the resignation of Minister Munde, whose links to Karad have drawn intense scrutiny. The rally, which stretched over a kilometre, drew people from various walks of life, all united in their call for action against what they saw as a failure of law enforcement.
Santosh Deshmukh’s teenage daughter, Vaibhavi, became a focal point of the said protest, delivering an emotional plea to the crowd. Fighting back tears, she thanked the participants for their support and urged them to stand by her family in their pursuit of justice. “You all know what happened to my father. He was brutally murdered. I ask you to remain with us and ensure justice is done,” she said, her voice resonating with the pain and determination shared by the crowd.
Addressing the gathering, Vaibhavi shared the immense loss and anguish her family has endured since her father’s death. “The pain of losing him is unbearable. My father was a man of principles who always stood for justice. We will not rest until those who did this to him are held accountable. I consider all of you part of our family now, and together, we must ensure this never happens to anyone again,” she declared, her words drawing applause and chants of solidarity.
The protesters criticised the slow pace of the investigation and the alleged shielding of powerful individuals involved in the case. They also called for systemic reforms to prevent such crimes in the future, urging the government to demonstrate its commitment to justice. The protest served as a prelude to an even larger demonstration planned in Beed, reflecting the growing anger among the public over the state’s failure to provide security and justice for its citizens.
Beed’s crime wave and Santosh Deshmukh’s murder
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Beed district, which has witnessed 38 murders in 2024 alone. Talking to the media, Raut accused Fadnavis of failing in his duties as Home Minister, suggesting he was protecting influential figures connected to the crime. Specifically, Raut pointed to Walmik Karad as the alleged mastermind behind Deshmukh’s murder. Despite being named in an extortion case linked to the incident, Karad has not been apprehended, fuelling allegations of political interference. “If the public believes the real culprit is being shielded, it tarnishes the reputation of the Home Minister,” Raut declared, adding that such a scenario is “unlikely to happen without political blessings.”
Raut also criticised the proliferation of firearms in Beed, where young men are reportedly seen flaunting weapons and uploading videos to intimidate locals. “What kind of generation are we building? Guns and pistols are used for extortion and killings, all under the patronage of powerful leaders,” he remarked, as per the Indian Express.
Ministers have rallied against Fadnavis, accusing him of incompetence and a failure to deliver justice for Deshmukh’s grieving family. BJP MLA Suresh Das accused Munde and his associate Walmik Karad of illegally acquiring land belonging to the Banjara tribal community under the guise of charitable trust development.
Brief background of the case
Deshmukh, a well-respected sarpanch who served for 15 years, was abducted in broad daylight on December 9, 2024. Witnesses reported that he was forced into a black Scorpio vehicle and tortured for three hours before succumbing to severe injuries. His body was discarded near his village, with a post-mortem revealing death from haemorrhage and shock due to multiple injuries. Deshmukh, survived by his elderly parents, wife, and two children aged 13 and 17, had recently opposed an extortion racket allegedly operated by local NCP leaders. His brother, Dhananjay, claimed that the perpetrators sought to silence Deshmukh to set an example. He stated that his brother was killed for attempting to stop the illegal extortion business the accused were running.
As per a report of the Indian Express from their visit to the village where the incident took place, a pandal had been set up beside a local temple, where Deshmukh’s brother, Dhananjay, sat on the ground, receiving visitors who came to offer condolences. A garlanded photo of Deshmukh rested on a table with a Marathi inscription reading: “Nyay pahije” (justice is needed), and another poster in the village boldly stated, “Aamcha rajala nyay pahije” (justice for our king). Villagers spoke of Deshmukh’s unwavering commitment to his community. Mihi More, a 70-year-old resident, described him as someone who helped anyone in need without caring about the benefits of his position as sarpanch. His sole focus, she said, was the development of the village, which is why he held the post for 15 years.
Dhananjay, Deshmukh’s brother, firmly believes that the murder was orchestrated because Deshmukh had attempted to stop an extortion racket being run by the accused. “They wanted to set an example through my brother,” he said. Meanwhile, Deshmukh’s elder daughter, Vaibhavi, who is in class 12, voiced her demand for swift justice and announced her participation in an all-party protest planned in Beed.
The case, initially handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), has now been transferred to the Maharashtra State CID. Chief Minister Fadnavis has ordered the confiscation of properties belonging to the accused and the cancellation of gun licences for those found flaunting weapons in public. He emphasised that no political connections would protect the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, the police have arrested four individuals, including Vishnu Chate, but Karad’s continued evasion of law enforcement has fuelled public outrage. The investigation has now been handed over to the Maharashtra State CID to ensure a thorough and impartial probe. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the legislature that no political affiliations would shield the culprits, promising swift and decisive action.
This incident has become a flashpoint in Maharashtra, exposing cracks in the political and judicial systems while rallying citizens and leaders alike in a collective demand for justice. The growing unrest underscores the public’s frustration with perceived inaction and impunity for those in positions of power. This high-profile case, also with layers of caste-based violence, continues to resonate across Maharashtra, with demands for accountability, an impartial probe, and systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future. For the people of Beed, Santosh Deshmukh’s murder is not just a crime but a symbol of the fight against corruption, extortion, and impunity.
CM Fadnavis’s response amidst mounting pressure
Under mounting pressure, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the assembly that Karad, already booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crimes Act (MCOCA), would face murder charges if evidence supports his involvement. Fadnavis also transferred the Beed superintendent of police, acknowledging lapses in handling the case.
Minister Munde, facing growing scrutiny, has denied involvement and labelled the accusations as a politically motivated campaign to tarnish his image. Speaking to reporters, he reiterated his demand for the accused to be “hanged to death” and accused the media of conducting a trial aimed at politically “finishing him off.” Despite his denials, the controversy has intensified, with opposition leaders and activists questioning his alleged role in shielding Karad and others implicated in the extortion racket. Notably, Karad holds influential positions in Beed, serving as a group leader in Parli Nagar Parishad, president of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, and as a member of the Beed district planning committee. Both Karad and Chate had been named in an extortion FIR filed just days before Deshmukh’s murder.
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