Ajit Pawar: No Action Will Be Taken Until Probes Identify Suspects in Munde Case

Mumbai, Jan 7 (NationPress) Amidst the escalating calls for NCP minister Dhananjay Munde to resign due to the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh from Beed district, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and party leader Ajit Pawar stated on Monday that no actions will be taken until the three ongoing investigations identify any individuals.

Ajit Pawar articulated the party's official position, stating: "There are SIT, judicial, and CID probes currently in progress. We must allow these agencies to finalize their investigations. Action will only follow if the probes identify anyone."

He made these comments to reporters following a meeting with NCP's National Working President Praful Patel and Dhananjay Munde, the State Food and Civil Supply Minister.

Following this, Ajit Pawar also engaged in a detailed discussion with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the political landscape amidst the collective demand for Munde's resignation.

He has reportedly expressed his discontent over statements made by BJP legislator Suresh Dhas regarding Munde in relation to the killing of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

Earlier, Munde hinted after his meeting with Ajit Pawar that he would not resign. He also indicated that the NCP leadership had not requested his resignation.

During his conversation with Ajit Pawar, he conveyed New Year wishes and provided updates on the food and civil supply department he oversees.

"The matter concerning the murder of Santosh Deshmukh and the calls for my resignation were not discussed during my meeting with party president and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar," he stated.

He questioned how he could prevent those demanding his resignation.

"I have consistently insisted that strict action be taken against those responsible for Santosh Deshmukh's murder," Munde asserted.

Veteran NCP leader and former Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who was not given a ministerial position in the recent cabinet expansion, came to Munde's defense, asserting that there is no reason for him to resign at this time.

"Munde's resignation is being requested. I want to remind you that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made it clear that the government will perform a comprehensive investigation and take action against anyone found guilty. Why is there a demand for Munde's resignation before the investigation is complete? If there is evidence, provide it to the police. Until there are findings from the investigation, it is unjust to demand his resignation. I do not believe this is appropriate," Bhujbal told reporters.

Meanwhile, an all-party delegation on Monday urged Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan to ensure that NCP Minister Dhananjay Munde resigns from the Cabinet immediately, given the alleged involvement and potential interference in the brutal murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh from Beed district.

The delegation also called for reinforcing the sentiment of the "rule of law," demanding that a murder case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 103 be filed against Walmik Karad, the alleged mastermind behind the kidnapping, extortion, and murder case, and that this case be expedited through a fast-track court.

In its representation to the Governor, the delegation also emphasized the need for accountability among law enforcement officials and called for action against police personnel who failed to fulfill their responsibilities.

The delegation urged the Governor to take steps to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of residents in Beed district, aiming to ultimately reduce extortion and lawlessness.