Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde Resigns Amidst Beed Sarpanch Murder Controversy

Maharashtra State Minister Dhananjay Munde submitted his resignation on Tuesday following public criticism regarding the fatal killing of Beed district’s sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The arrest of Walmik Karad who served as Munde’s close aide prompted the resignation following the murder in December 2024. Munde submitted his resignation after troubling pictures and videos of the crime appeared on social media platforms and caused widespread public anger.

The state Minister of Food and Civil Supplies Dhananjay Munde submitted his resignation following health issues and emotional strain from seeing the recent disturbing footage that went viral. Munde maintained his demand for severe punishment against the suspects since the murder took place and continued to emphasise this stance throughout the investigation. He stated that the investigation procedures had finished and a court-led inquiry should start next.

Investigation Reveals Horrific Torture

The investigation revealed that Deshmukh was kidnapped, tortured, and killed after trying to intervene in an extortion attempt targeting an energy company. The accused, who filmed the entire brutal act, have been charged under stringent laws. Karad, who is a close associate of Munde, is one of the arrested. This development has raised questions about Munde’s possible involvement, and opposition leaders have called for further investigation.

Opposition Leaders Seek Justice

Multiple leaders from NCP and Shiv Sena including Aaditya Thackeray accused the government of being too slow in dismissing Munde after his resignation while demanding a more thorough probe. Thackeray pushed for a government dismissal while highlighting the state’s deteriorating law enforcement condition. People in Beed have intensified their demands for justice alongside their outrage about the situation.