Murder of Beed Sarpanch Sparks Silent March by Kin and Opposition Parties
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Beed (Maharashtra), Dec 28 (NationPress) - A substantial 'silent procession' was held on Saturday by various opposition parties, social organizations, and NGOs in Maharashtra to condemn the murder of Santosh Pandit Deshmukh, the Sarpanch of Massajog village. Deshmukh, aged 45, was reportedly kidnapped, violently tortured, and ultimately murdered near a windmill company due to his efforts to dismantle an extortion racket. This heinous act has ignited significant political outrage across Maharashtra.
Participants adorned in black masks and armbands carried banners, placards, and photographs of Deshmukh, gathering several thousands, including a notable presence of women and youth, for the silent march.
The procession initiated from a statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and concluded at the offices of the Beed Collectorate.
Among those present were members of the slain Sarpanch's family, including his widow, teenage daughter Vaibhavi, brother, sister, and numerous villagers rallying in support.
Notable figures in attendance included Maharashtra Swarajya Party President Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje Bhosale, NCP General Secretary and Mumbra-Kalwa MLA Dr. Jitendra Awhad, NCP Beed MP Bajrang M. Sonawane, BJP Ashthi MLA Suresh, Maratha leader and head of Shivba Sanghatana Manoj Jarange-Patil, anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania, leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), and local activists.
The procession featured posters and placards with demands for “justice for Deshmukh” and the apprehension of the primary suspect, Walmik Karad, along with two others, calling for the identification of the mastermind(s) behind this brutal killing, which may include a prominent minister from the ruling MahaYuti coalition, among others.
The shocking nature of Deshmukh’s murder gained national attention as senior leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) visited his family, offering condolences and assuring that they would raise the matter with both the Maharashtra and central governments. This issue was also discussed in the Assembly last week, where the government pledged decisive action.
Meanwhile, parts of Beed town and Massajog village experienced a spontaneous shutdown, with locals closing businesses, schools, colleges, and private offices to participate in the silent march.
The Marathi Kranti Thok Morcha has called for an expedited investigation into Deshmukh's murder, urging that the trial be conducted in a fast-track court in Mumbai for greater transparency, ensuring maximum penalties for all accused, and invoking the anti-corruption Act, among other measures.
