Maharashtra Villagers Protest After Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh Murder and Abduction Incident

In Beed district, Maharashtra, a village head was kidnapped and killed, leading to road blockades by angry villagers. Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange joined the protests in Massajog village, demanding strict action against those responsible. Jarange warned that the Maratha community might resort to taking the law into their own hands if justice is not served.

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a Maratha sarpanch in his mid-30s. The incident occurred at a toll plaza near Dongaon Phata village around 3 pm on Monday. Deshmukh was travelling with his cousin Shivraj Deshmukh when a black car with six people intercepted them.

Protests and Arrests

During the protest in Kej, demonstrators set a state transport bus on fire and clashed with police. The police reported that one of the six assailants broke the driver's side window of Deshmukh's car, while another dragged him out and beat him with a stick before forcing him into their vehicle. Another car followed, believed to carry accomplices.

Shivraj Deshmukh filed a complaint alleging that past enmity led to the abduction. He identified the owner of the black car involved. Police registered a case against this person and five others under various sections for causing harm, obstructing passage, and abduction with intent to murder.

Community Reaction and Investigation

The body of Santosh Deshmukh was discovered in Daithana area of Kej tehsil. Bajrang Sonawane, NCP SP Lok Sabha member from Beed, expressed dissatisfaction with the district administration's efforts to apprehend the main culprit. He noted signs of torture on Deshmukh’s body and called for a CBI investigation.

One arrested individual belongs to the Vanjari community. Jarange demanded further arrests, stating, "My people are dying. If this kind of terror is being spread, then the Maratha community has to wake up." He highlighted Deshmukh's achievements as an award-winning ideal village leader.

Police Response

Superintendent of Police Avinash Bargal met with Jarange and assured that two teams are working on capturing the mastermind behind this crime. Assistance from neighbouring districts' police is being sought. A police sub-inspector was suspended following villagers' allegations.

Bargal stated, "We have launched an investigation into this abduction and murder case. We have held two accused and appointed two teams to catch the mastermind." He added that any police officials found guilty would face consequences.

The incident has sparked significant unrest in the community, highlighting tensions over justice and safety concerns among villagers. The situation remains tense as authorities continue their investigation into this tragic event.