Fadnavis supports Dhananjay Munde in sarpanch murder case

Nagpur: An offence has been registered against the taluka president of the NCP (AP) for the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. It is also alleged that the other accused in the case, Valmik Karad, is a close aid of NCP (AP) leader and Minister Dhananjay Munde.

In this backdrop, it was demanded that Munde should not be inducted in the State Cabinet till the investigation in the case is over. As the Winter Session of the State Legislature began, opposition leader Ambadas Danve raised several questions about the murder in the House. Danve also named Munde.

Replying to his queries, CM Devendra Fadnavis backed Munde. Fadnavis said, “This is the State Legislature. What one says in the House is heard by 14 crore people of the State. When one names a minister as a close associate of an accused, one unnecessarily drags their name. The government is not under pressure from the treasury or opposition benches to protect the accused. Technical analysis and artificial intelligence will be used to trace the accused.

“All those involved in the incident will face action, irrespective of which party or religion or caste they belong to. The case has been transferred to the CID. A special SIT has also been set up.”

Valmik Karad booked for extortion but action not taken

NCP (AP) leader and Minister Dhananjay Munde’s close aide Valmik Karad and two others have been booked for demanding a Rs 2 crore extortion from the windmill company’s official. A dispute on the premises of the company led to the murder of Santosh Deshmukh.

The accused have been identified as Valmik Karad, a resident of Parli, Vishnu Chate, a resident of Kej taluka, and Sudarshan Ghule, a resident of Kej taluka. A complaint has been lodged by Sunil Kedu Shinde (42), a resident of Beed.

Though a case has been registered, no action has been taken yet.