Maharashtra Government Appoints Ujjwal Nikam as Special Prosecutor in Beed Sarpanch Murder Case

Mumbai, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government has appointed Ujjwal Nikam, a seasoned attorney, as the Special Public Prosecutor in the case concerning the heinous murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh from Beed district.

Advocate Balasaheb Kolhe has been designated as the Assistant Special Public Prosecutor.

This announcement was made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on X, sharing the government notification regarding this appointment.

“The Maharashtra government has assigned senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam as the Special Public Prosecutor in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case in Beed district, while Adv Balasaheb Kolhe will serve as the Assistant Special Public Prosecutor,” stated Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home Ministry.

The government’s decision comes amid protests from the Deshmukh family and Massajog villagers, who initiated a food boycott on Tuesday, demanding justice and the prompt arrest of Krishna Andhale, the seventh suspect in the murder who remains at large for over two and a half months.

The government has acknowledged the demands from the Deshmukh family and local villagers for a special prosecutor to effectively present the case in court.

Sources within the government indicated that Nikam’s appointment is expected to accelerate the ongoing investigation into the murder of Santosh Deshmukh and the submission of the chargesheet.

This move is critical as three investigative bodies, including the state CID, a special investigation team, and a judicial committee, are currently examining the circumstances surrounding Santosh Deshmukh's murder.

Moreover, both ruling and opposition parties, alongside various social organizations, are increasingly calling for the resignation of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, whose associate Walmik Karad has been implicated under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act in relation to an extortion case tied to the murder.

In response, Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of Santosh Deshmukh, expressed, “With Ujjwal Nikam's appointment, the SIT and CID will receive support for the swift resolution of current investigations. Any gaps in the investigation will be addressed by these lawyers. The chargesheet will be submitted promptly.”

On the other hand, Vaibhavi Deshmukh, daughter of Santosh Deshmukh, stated, “The government has fulfilled one of our requests, and we hope they will meet our other demands. I will do everything in my power to seek justice for my father, who meant everything to me. Achieving justice for him is my utmost priority, even as I prepare for my exams.”

Nikam began his legal career in Jalgaon district and gained prominence representing the state in the 1993 Mumbai blast case. His notable cases include the murders of Gulshan Kumar and Pramod Mahajan.

Throughout his career, Nikam claims to have played a pivotal role in securing death sentences for 30 individuals and life sentences for over 600. Several of these death penalties have been contested in higher courts. He also represented the government in the infamous Khairlanji case and others, enhancing his reputation.

Following the conviction of Ajmal Kasab, the perpetrator of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Nikam became a well-known figure.

In the most recent Lok Sabha elections, Nikam was nominated by the BJP from the North Central Mumbai constituency, facing off against Varsha Gaikwad from the Congress, but ultimately lost by 16,514 votes.