Mumbai: Amid concerns raised by ruling and Opposition parties over the killing of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh and the deteriorating law and order situation in Beed, NCP(SP) president Sharad Pawar on Monday in a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to review the security arrangements of peoples’ representatives and other leaders, who face threats to their lives from local goons, and provide them with appropriate police protection through the state government.
Pawar pointed out that there has been a growing demand for the immediate arrest of the fugitive accused and the masterminds behind the crime. Protests, including a major rally in Beed, have called for justice and emphasised the need for swift action. The rally, which brought together political leaders from various parties, condemned the brutal act and demanded that the culprits be brought to justice.
Pawar also noted that this murder is part of a series of criminal activities in the Beed-Parli area, including previous incidents of kidnapping, extortion and false cases. He called for an in-depth investigation into the links between these crimes.
Meanwhile, amid a demand for NCP minister Dhananjay Munde’s resignation until the ongoing investigation into the killing of Deshmukh, party veteran Chhagan Bhujbal came to his defence, saying there was no need for him to step down right now.
The former minister questioned the rush to ask for Munde’s resignation, stating, “Why should he resign? It is not appropriate to demand his resignation when the allegations against him have not been proven.” Drawing from his own experience during the Telgi stamp paper scam, Bhujbal emphasised that such allegations are common in politics, and that no one should face injustice without evidence.
Bhujbal also condemned the murder Deshmukh, urging for the death penalty for the accused. However, he made it clear that innocent people should not be punished in this case. “I am not taking sides, but the culprits must be punished,” he stated.
Further addressing political developments, Bhujbal dismissed any notions of seeking a ministerial position, stating, “It is not in my mind to seek anyone’s resignation so I can become a minister. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made it clear that action will be taken against the accused, but the opposition is demanding resignations even before the inquiry is completed.”