Murder of Beed Sarpanch: Walmik Karad Identified as Mastermind
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The CID's charge sheet in the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh names Walmik Karad as the mastermind. The document details connections to a previous extortion case and the involvement of multiple accused, with significant evidence presented against them.
Key Takeaways
- Walmik Karad named as the mastermind in the murder case.
- Charge sheet comprises 1,800 pages of evidence.
- Seven others implicated, including Karad.
- Police investigation involved over 180 witnesses.
- Extortion linked to murder with demands of Rs 2 crore.
Mumbai, March 2 (NationPress) The state's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed an extensive 1,800-page charge sheet regarding the heinous murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, identifying Walmik Karad, a close associate of NCP leader and state minister Dhananjay Munde, as the orchestrator of the crime.
Karad is already facing charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act for his involvement in a Rs 2 crore extortion case against a developer of a wind power project, Avaada Energy, which is linked to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
Alongside Karad, seven other individuals have been implicated in the charge sheet. Seven arrests have been made, including Karad, while Krishna Andhale remains at large following the murder in December of the previous year. The Special Investigation Team, led by senior IPS officer Basavaraj Teli, is currently investigating the matter.
The charge sheet includes corroborating voice samples from Karad and company employees, alongside CCTV footage that connects the accused to the murder and extortion plot.
According to police sources, the CID's investigation, supported by approximately 180 witnesses and a jury, has named Walmik Karad as the principal conspirator. Evidence has been gathered against all eight accused, including Karad. The investigation, overseen by Investigation Officer Basavaraj Teli, has been meticulously examined by forensic labs.
In the extortion case, Karad is accused of masterminding the plot, threatening, 'End him as soon as he comes, otherwise he will be forced to beg.' Among the accused, Sudarshan Ghule and his accomplices are noted for their involvement in organized crime. The charge sheet reveals that they have committed 11 crimes over a decade in Kej, Ambajogai in Beed district, and Dharur and Kalamb in Dharashiv district.
The charge sheet details an incident on October 8, 2024, when Avaada Energy’s Land Acquisition Officer Shivaji Thopte was summoned to meet Walmik Karad, who issued a threat: 'If you want to keep the company running, pay Rs 2 crore or else stop all the work of Avaada Company in Beed district.' Further, on November 29, Sudarshan Ghule reiterated this demand, threatening, 'Fulfill Walmik Anna's demand and meet him. Do not start the work until then.'
Thopte was verbally abused and physically assaulted, with threats to pay Rs 2 crore or risk closure of the company. Following this incident, Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was informed and urged Ghule and his associates to allow the company to operate for the sake of employment. During this encounter, Ghule threatened Deshmukh, asserting he would not allow him to live.
On November 29, 2024, a meeting was held at Vishnu Chate's office in Kej, attended by Walmik Karad, Vishnu Chate, Sudarshan Ghule, Prateek Ghule, Sudhir Sangle, and Krishna Andhale, where they conspired regarding the Rs 2 crore ransom and how to handle Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
The charge sheet states that Santosh Deshmukh was abducted from the Dongaon toll plaza on December 9 last year and subsequently murdered. Since the charge sheet has been filed in court within 80 days, it may pose challenges for the accused in securing bail, according to police sources. Recently, the government appointed senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam as the special prosecutor for the case.
