Political Drama Unfolds: Minister's Aide Surrenders in Murder Case

Walmik Karad, a close aide to Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde, surrendered in Pune after being wanted in a murder-related extortion case. His connection to the murder of a Beed district sarpanch has sparked political controversy. Karad claims his involvement is a result of political vendetta while a judicial probe has been announced.

Walmik Karad, a key associate of Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde, turned himself in to authorities in Pune on Tuesday. Karad is linked to an extortion and murder case involving the death of Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch from Beed district.

Deshmukh was reportedly abducted and killed on December 9 after resisting extortion attempts related to a windmill company. Before surrendering, Karad shared a video claiming political motives behind his implication.

Political tensions have escalated, with opposition parties demanding NCP minister Munde's resignation and an unbiased investigation. Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for a judicial probe into the murder case.

(With inputs from agencies.)