Mumbai: In a significant turn of events, Namdev Shastri, the chief religious leader of Bhagwangad, retracted his earlier support for Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde in the controversial Santosh Deshmukh murder case. The shift in stance came after a meeting on Sunday between Shastri and the family of the slain sarpanch, who had submitted documents regarding the accused.
On Friday, Shastri had made headlines when he publicly claimed that Munde, who is a minister in the Maharashtra government, had been wrongfully implicated in the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a three-time sarpanch from Massajog village in Beed district. The mahant had asserted that Munde was innocent, causing a stir in both political and social circles. However, following the meeting with Deshmukh’s brother Dhananjay and daughter Vaibhavi, Shastri took a step back, stating that his initial remarks had been misinterpreted and clarifying that he did not intend to support the accused.
Santosh Deshmukh was brutally murdered on December 9, 2024, allegedly by associates of Walmik Karad, a close aide of Minister Munde. The killing was reportedly linked to Deshmukh’s opposition to an extortion attempt on a wind energy firm. Karad surrendered to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on December 31, 2024, and the incident sparked a political firestorm, with opposition leaders calling for Munde’s removal from his position. As the investigation unfolded, the murder further intensified the already tense divide between the Maratha and Vanjari communities, fueling protests and clashes across the state.
The Deshmukh family, belonging to the Maratha community, faced immense challenges in their pursuit of justice. They were particularly upset by Shastri’s initial comments, which seemed to suggest that the murder was a result of personal revenge rather than a politically motivated attack. During the meeting, Vaibhavi Deshmukh, visibly distressed, expressed her frustration, stating that her father’s body had been so brutally dismembered that they were unable to conduct proper last rites.
“We came with all the documents related to the accused,” said Dhananjay Deshmukh, the slain sarpanch’s brother. “We hope the mahant will clarify his position and stand with us in this fight for justice, regardless of caste considerations.”
In his follow-up statement to the media, Shastri reassured the family, stating that Bhagwangad would continue to support the Deshmukh family in their battle for justice. He added, “I never intended to stand by the accused. I assure the Deshmukh family that Bhagwangad will firmly support them and will not back the wrongdoer.”
The situation has exposed deep divisions in the state, both in terms of political loyalty and communal sentiments. The Mahayuti government has faced intense pressure over the murder, particularly regarding Munde’s involvement. While the government has pledged justice for the family, Munde’s continued presence in the cabinet has become a point of contention for many.
The controversy surrounding Shastri’s remarks also led to protests, with several social activists and opposition parties accusing the Bhagwangad shrine of being used for political purposes. They criticized the mahant’s initial comments, urging religious leaders to refrain from making statements that could further inflame the already delicate situation.
In conclusion, Shastri’s retraction of his support for Munde represents a major shift in the political and religious discourse surrounding the Santosh Deshmukh murder case. The Deshmukh family’s quest for justice remains ongoing, with calls for a transparent investigation into the murder and accountability for those involved.
