Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to seize the properties of the accused involved in the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Masajog, Beed. An official from the Home Department stated on Saturday that Fadnavis has also instructed the revocation of gun licenses for those whose pictures or videos showing open firearm display or aerial firing have gone viral on social media.
Fadnavis Under Opposition's Spotlight
Fadnavis, who took over as Chief Minister on December 5, also holds the Home Department portfolio and is under scrutiny from the opposition in regard to the recent sarpanch murder in Beed district. The CID of the Maharashtra Police is conducting an investigation into the murder case. The official noted, "Chief Minister Fadnavis has tasked the CID with the seizure of assets from the murder suspects."
Massive Protest in Beed
Meanwhile, on Saturday, a massive protest took place in Beed, with legislators and local leaders from both opposition and ruling parties, demanding the resignation of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Minister Dhananjay Munde. Munde, from Beed district, has his associate Valmik Karad under suspicion regarding involvement in the murder.
Read More: Beed Sarpanch Murder Case: Police Custody of Three Accused Extended Until January 6, Search for Three Ongoing
According to the police, Deshmukh's murder allegedly stemmed from his opposition to attempts of extortion from an energy company installing wind turbines in Beed district. Local NCP leader Vishnu Chate demanded a payment of 20 million rupees from the company. Deshmukh intervened, leading to his abduction, harassment, and subsequent murder on December 9. Chate is among the four arrested suspects in the murder.
It is notable that the incident occurred around 3 PM on December 9, when Santosh Deshmukh was traveling to Masajog village with his cousin Shivraj Deshmukh in a Tata Indigo car. Along the way, a black Scorpio vehicle intercepted their car. Six men exited the vehicle and forcibly abducted Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Later, his body was discovered at Dahitana Phata in Kej taluka. Deep wounds were found on Santosh's body.
