Supriya Sule Questions Delay in Dhananjay Munde's Resignation Amid Sarpanch Murder Evidence

Supriya Sule, leader of the NCP SP, questioned the delay in Dhananjay Munde's resignation from the Maharashtra cabinet. She highlighted that it took 84 days for him to step down despite the government having access to photos and footage related to sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder. Sule expressed these concerns while speaking to reporters.

Munde, who served as the state food and civil supplies minister and is an NCP MLA from Parli, resigned following allegations against his close aide Walmik Karad. Karad was named as the mastermind in the Beed sarpanch murder case. Munde stated he resigned due to health reasons and after listening to his conscience.

Resignation and Investigation

The demand for Munde's resignation grew after disturbing photos and court chargesheet details emerged about Deshmukh's murder. The chargesheet, filed by the Crime Investigation Department on February 27, contained over 1,200 pages detailing the brutalities committed before Deshmukh's death on December 9 last year. He was allegedly killed for trying to stop an extortion attempt targeting an energy company.

Sule questioned if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers had seen the photos before Munde's resignation. She claimed that people were shocked and disappointed by the delay in action despite the evidence being available. Sule has been seeking a meeting with Fadnavis to discuss this issue further.

Calls for Justice and Further Investigation

Sule demanded a transparent investigation into Deshmukh's murder, insisting that those responsible should face severe punishment. She announced plans for her and other party MPs to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the situation. The NCP SP later held a silent protest in Pune to condemn the murder.

At the protest, Sule mentioned that social activist Anjali Damania, BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, and NCP SP MP Bajarang Sonawane have raised concerns about over 100 suspicious deaths in Beed district. Sule called for a Special Investigation Team probe into these cases, emphasizing that missing persons' files should be reopened to ensure justice for their families.

Legal Implications and Business Ties

Sule highlighted that extortion falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and urged its application in this case. She also stressed the need to investigate call detail records of all accused individuals to uncover those involved in the alleged extortion case concerning Avaada company.

Both Karad and Munde are business partners, according to Sule. She insisted that everyone involved in Deshmukh's murder or who supported the accused should face punishment. This call for accountability reflects growing demands for justice within Maharashtra.

The unfolding events have sparked significant public interest and concern across Maharashtra. The demand for transparency and accountability continues as investigations progress in this high-profile case.