Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis Engages with Family of Murdered Sarpanch, Promises Justice

Mumbai, Jan 7 (NationPress) The relatives of ex-Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, who was viciously killed on December 9, met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, urging for justice and firm action against those responsible for this heinous crime.

Santosh Deshmukh's brother, Dhananjay Deshmukh, remarked to the press after the meeting: "The Chief Minister has given us his word that irrespective of who the accused may be in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case, they will face justice. Criminals will not find mercy... that's the commitment from the Chief Minister."

He added: "We addressed various concerns with the chief minister and presented official documents relating to 28 FIRs filed since May, insisting on action regarding them. We reiterated our demand for justice."

Dhananjay continued: "We provided evidence related to Santosh Deshmukh's murder and emphasized our need for an unbiased investigation. We insisted that all those responsible should be penalized and that the CDRs mentioned in the FIR should be examined."

When asked about the demand for the resignation of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, he stated that the Chief Minister would make a decision on this issue.

Dhananjay Deshmukh also noted that the Chief Minister has accepted all their requests and assured them that all implicated individuals would be held accountable.

Furthermore, he mentioned that the chief minister promised to provide investigation updates within two days.

The Chief Minister's Office announced: "The CM has pledged that the government will take decisive action against all offenders. The names of the police officers recommended by the Deshmukh family will be included in the special investigation team currently examining the murder of Santosh Deshmukh."

BJP legislator Suresh Dhas stated that the chief minister has explicitly assured the Deshmukh family that no one will evade justice. Regarding the call for NCP minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, he added that those connected to the case should be removed from their positions.

Previously, NCP minister Dhananjay Munde participated in the weekly cabinet meeting at Mantralaya. He told reporters: "I have not resigned. I am actively attending the pre-cabinet and cabinet meetings. Let BJP legislator Suresh Dhas continue to call for my resignation. I will address him at an appropriate time."

Munde had conferred with NCP President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday.

Following their discussion, Ajit Pawar dismissed the possibility of seeking Munde’s resignation.

"There are ongoing SIT and judicial investigations. Let these agencies finish their inquiries. Action will be taken only if the investigations implicate anyone," he stated.