Maharashtra SIT Formed to Probe Sarpanch's Murder

The Maharashtra government has established a Special Investigation Team to look into the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, allegedly killed for opposing an extortion attempt. Protests have been staged by villagers demanding justice. The CID is now handling the investigation, with some suspects still at large.

The Maharashtra government announced the formation of a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday to investigate the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village. The team will be led by Deputy Inspector General of the Crime Investigation Department, Basavraj Teli.

Deshmukh was reportedly abducted and murdered on December 9, following his opposition to an extortion attempt linked to a windmill company. Villagers reacted by staging 'jal samadhi' protests, standing waist-deep in water, demanding the arrest of three absconding suspects. The protest ended after assurances from the police.

The CID has been tasked with both the murder and related extortion cases. While three suspects have been arrested, three others remain at large. Walmik Karad, tied to an NCP leader, surrendered and was placed in CID custody. Allegations of him being the crime's mastermind have been contested by his claims of a political conspiracy.

(With inputs from agencies.)