Last Updated:
The murder has become a political flashpoint, with opposition parties blaming the ruling Mahayuti alliance for failing to maintain law and order.
NCP-SP MLA Jitendra Awhad, left, with Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap, right, addresses the media at a protest over the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Maharashtra’s Beed district. (Image: PTI)
The brutal killing of Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Maharashtra’s Beed district, has set off a political and social storm in the state. The incident has underscored serious concerns about law and order while highlighting the political undercurrents that shape rural governance. On December 9, 2024, Santosh Deshmukh, a popular grassroots leader, was abducted in broad daylight. Hours later, his lifeless body was discovered, bearing signs of severe assault. The sarpanch’s murder allegedly stemmed from his intervention in an extortion attempt at a wind power plant in his village. Deshmukh had reportedly confronted a group of individuals demanding money from the company, a move that may have sealed his fate.
The gruesome murder has triggered widespread protests in Beed and neighbouring regions. Several Dalit and social organisations, along with political parties, have condemned the incident and demanded justice. Residents of Massajog village staged a bandh (shutdown) as a mark of respect and to demand accountability. “Deshmukh was a voice for the people, fighting corruption and standing up against powerful interests. His death is a blow to the democratic fabric of our village,” said a local resident during a protest.
The murder has become a political flashpoint, with opposition parties blaming the ruling Mahayuti alliance for failing to maintain law and order. Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, accused the government of shielding the prime accused, Valmik Karad, a close aide of a senior minister in the ruling coalition. Danve claimed that arresting Karad could destabilise the government. “This murder is not just a crime; it reflects the rot in governance,” he said.
The ruling alliance dismissed these allegations as baseless. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the murder and announced a judicial inquiry to ensure transparency. “No one is above the law, and those responsible will face the consequences,” Fadnavis asserted.
To placate public anger, the government ordered the transfer of the Beed district Superintendent of Police and announced that the accused would face charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Senior opposition leaders, including NCP president Sharad Pawar, visited Deshmukh’s family to offer condolences and support. Pawar criticised the “atmosphere of fear” in Beed, promising to stand by the family in their fight for justice. Congress MLA Nitin Raut echoed similar sentiments, accusing the government of treating the case with indifference. “This government is more interested in protecting its political allies than ensuring justice,” he said. The opposition has called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by independent officers to probe the case.
The police have arrested three suspects, including the prime accused, Valmik Karad. Their custody has been extended until January 6, 2025, as investigation continues. Authorities are reportedly exploring links between the accused and local political factions.
The murder of Santosh Deshmukh has brought to the fore the vulnerabilities faced by grassroots leaders in rural Maharashtra. Experts point out that village politics often involves a dangerous mix of local disputes, corruption, and larger political rivalries. Beed, in particular, is no stranger to such tensions. The district has seen fierce political competition between the BJP and NCP, further exacerbating local conflicts. Political analysts believe this incident will become a rallying cry for opposition parties in the lead-up to the local body elections.
As investigations progress, the focus remains on delivering justice to Deshmukh’s family and restoring faith in governance. While the government’s swift actions – transferring police officials and ordering a judicial probe — aim to quell public anger, the opposition continues to use the incident as evidence of administrative failure. For the residents of Massajog and the larger Beed district, Santosh Deshmukh’s murder is a stark reminder of the perils of challenging powerful interests. His legacy as a fearless leader who stood for justice will likely inspire further activism, even as his death highlights the risks faced by those in grassroots politics.
