Santosh Deshmukh was kidnapped and brutally murdered in December 2022 after trying to intervene in an extortion scheme by local criminals targeting a wind energy company. His death led to political fallout, with Minister Dhananjay Munde resigning due to his aide’s alleged involvement. The investigation uncovered shocking details of the torture inflicted on Deshmukh, fueling outrage and demands for justice amid ongoing caste tensions in the region.
On December 9, 2022, Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of a village in Maharashtra’s Beed, was kidnapped and brutally tortured before being left for dead. His murder has sparked outrage, leading to the resignation of state minister Dhananjay Munde, whose aide is implicated in the crime. Deshmukh attempted to thwart an extortion scheme targeting a wind energy company, Avaada, in the region, which has seen an increase in criminal activity due to economic growth from the wind energy sector.
The extortion demand was set at Rs 2 crore by local criminals, including Walmik Karad, an aide to Minister Munde. Deshmukh’s intervention in the criminal activities of Sudarshan Ghule’s syndicate, which had led to previous kidnappings, placed him squarely in the crosshairs of these criminals. Just days before his death, Deshmukh confronted Ghule and his associates after they attacked Avaada employees, leading to his eventual abduction and murder on December 9.
Deshmukh was violently assaulted for over two hours before dying from his injuries. He was attacked with various weapons, and the assailants recorded graphic videos and pictures of the abuse. Some footage reportedly shows him being physically assaulted while another depicts one assailant urinating on him as he lay bleeding, illustrating the heinous nature of the crime.
The investigation into Deshmukh’s death revealed the close network between the accused and local political powers. The case has generated significant political fallout, compelling Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the matter with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Following public outcry and the release of the charges, Dhananjay Munde stepped down, citing the need for a thorough investigation and expressing his dismay over the brutality that Deshmukh faced.
This tragedy unfolds against a backdrop of caste tensions in the Marathwada region, where caste affiliations impact local political dynamics. Deshmukh, a Maratha, had previously campaigned for Pankaja Munde, a Vanjari candidate, who lost in the recent elections amid escalating caste rivalries. Following the murder, Maratha leaders are actively seeking justice, further complicating the local political landscape and the responses to this act of violence.
The murder of Santosh Deshmukh has revealed deep-rooted issues of corruption, extortion, and caste politics in Maharashtra. The resignation of Minister Dhananjay Munde reflects the political ramifications of this horrific act, sparking demands for justice and accountability. The brutal nature of Deshmukh’s torture highlights the disturbing trend of violence associated with local criminal syndicates leveraging extortion in economically thriving sectors.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
