Maharashtra BJP Chief Warns Leaders Amid Murder Inquiry

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule urged party leaders not to comment on the murder investigation of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, which was linked to extortion. Controversy ensued when BJP MLA Suresh Dhas made remarks about Marathi actor Prajakta Mali. The Maharashtra State Commission for Women intervened, demanding a police report.

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the BJP chief in Maharashtra, has urged party figures to avoid comments that might disrupt the investigation into the murder of Massajog village sarpanch, Santosh Deshmukh.

The appeal from Bawankule comes as controversy brews over remarks by BJP MLA Suresh Dhas about Marathi actor Prajakta Mali, prompting the State Commission for Women to ask for a police report.

Deshmukh was allegedly murdered while opposing an extortion attempt. Bawankule emphasized confidence in Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' leadership, while Dhas, despite causing a stir, pledged to support the investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)