MVA Demands Dhananjay Munde's Resignation for Fair Probe in Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh Murder Case

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has demanded the resignation of cabinet minister Dhananjay Munde from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to ensure a fair investigation into the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The MVA leaders on Monday met Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan and urged him to press for Munde’s resignation until the investigation is completed.

Meanwhile, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) supremo Sharad Pawar addressed the issue in a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, stating: “Last month, the Sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, Mr. Santosh Deshmukh, was abducted and brutally murdered by some miscreants. This inhumane incident has caused outrage not only across Maharashtra but throughout the country. Statewide protests have erupted, demanding the immediate arrest of the absconding accused and the masterminds behind the crime. The first protest march in Beed district highlighted the gravity of the incident to the state government. People across caste, religion, and political lines united to condemn this heinous act, demanding strict action against the accused and the conspirators.”

“The incident involving Santosh Deshmukh is not an isolated one. The Beed-Parli region has witnessed several cases of murder, abduction, extortion, and false charges in the past. There is a pressing need to investigate these incidents comprehensively, as they may be interconnected. Given the potential for uncovering a series of related crimes during this investigation, the safety of public representatives and other dignitaries who have raised their voices against such incidents must be ensured. I urge the state government to take immediate steps to protect these individuals and enhance their security arrangements,” wrote Pawar.

Protests by political parties and various organizations have intensified across the state, demanding justice for Santosh Deshmukh and Dhananjay Munde's resignation. The growing pressure on the Mahayuti government has further amplified calls for accountability and transparency in this high-profile case.