Ministers Demand Swift Justice in Santosh Deshmukh Murder Case

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale urges quick arrests in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case linked to an extortion bid on an energy firm. The sarpanch was allegedly kidnapped and killed after intervening. Despite arrests, political tensions rise, prompting calls for unbiased police action and swift justice.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has called for the quick arrest of perpetrators involved in the murder case of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog in Beed. The incident is linked to an extortion attempt on a local energy firm, according to the police.

Deshmukh was reportedly abducted, tortured, and murdered on December 9 after he tried to halt the extortion scheme connected to a windmill project. Several arrests have been made, yet political controversy surrounds the involvement of Walmik Karad, allegedly close to state minister Dhananjay Munde.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the Crime Investigation Department to seize the accused's properties. However, Athawale insists that merely attaching properties is not enough, stressing the urgency for arrests while ensuring police operate free from political pressure.

(With inputs from agencies.)