By Special Correspondent
Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has given a clean chit to his party colleague and Minister Dhananjay Munde, stating that there is no need for him to resign. This comes after social activist Anjali Damania met Pawar, demanding Munde’s resignation over allegations related to the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district.
Pawar clarified that Damania had submitted some documents to him, which he has forwarded to the CID and SIT for investigation. He emphasized that if no evidence is found linking anyone to the crime, no action can be taken. “If someone is found guilty, they will not be spared. But if there is no connection, the question of action does not arise,” Pawar said.
The incident in question involves the kidnapping and murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, which occurred on December 9. The case has caused a significant uproar in the state, with police arresting several suspects. Some of the accused are currently in custody, and action has been taken against them under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).
Opposition parties have been demanding Munde’s resignation, alleging that one of the accused, Valmik Karad, is closely associated with the minister. However, Pawar defended Munde, stating that he had himself resigned in the past when allegations were made against him, but in this case, an investigation is underway, and action will be taken based on the findings.
Anjali Damania, who has been vocal about the Beed incidents, met Ajit Pawar in Mumbai and submitted documents related to Munde and Valmik Karad’s alleged business connections. She also claimed that Pawar assured her of discussing the matter with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Pawar reiterated that the government’s stance is clear: if anyone is found guilty, they will face strict action, but no one will be targeted without evidence. The investigation into the Beed case is ongoing, and further steps will be determined based on the findings.
