Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced judicial investigations into two significant incidents: the murder of Beed district sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh and the violence in Parbhani following the desecration of a Constitution replica. Additionally, he revealed that Walmik Karad, a close associate of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, and his accomplices will face charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) for their involvement in organized crime activities in Beed. The government has transferred the Superintendent of Police in Beed district as part of these measures.
Addressing the legislative Assembly, CM Fadnavis acknowledged the prevailing lawlessness in Beed and the attempts to create anarchy in the district. He emphasized the need for a ‘cleansing process’ within the police department to protect industries from harassment.
Regarding the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, CM Fadnavis explained that the accused killed Deshmukh after he intervened in a dispute at a power generation company. The accused, identified as Ashok, Sudarshan, and Pradip Ghule, had attacked the company’s watchman for denying them access to company officers. When Deshmukh attempted to mediate, the accused assaulted him. They captured the altercation on video and widely circulated it on social media. Four days later, the same individuals abducted and murdered Deshmukh. The Inspector General of Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder, and the judicial inquiry will examine the broader lawlessness in the district. The judicial probe is expected to submit its report within six months.
CM Fadnavis announced a judicial inquiry into Parbhani violence and Rs.10 lakh ex gratia for deceased families in Beed, Parbhani.
