Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: The Maharashtra government has appointed senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam as the special public prosecutor in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case in Beed district.
Additionally, advocate Bala Saheb Kolhe has been named assistant public prosecutor for the case.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed on January 14 to probe the murder, with the Chief Minister closely monitoring the developments.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Assures Action
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has promised strict action against those responsible for the brutal killing of Santosh Deshmukh, who was the sarpanch of Masajog village in Beed district.
“The Chief Minister is constantly paying attention to this. The Chief Minister has been saying from the beginning that whoever is guilty, action will be taken. His family is worried because it has been a month. The investigation is being done through a judge. This is a brutal murder, no matter who it is, action will be taken. This is the state of Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar. This is an act that shames humanity. Whoever is the accused, he will not be killed… Law and order should be maintained…,” Pawar told reporters.
Background of the Case
On December 9, Santosh Deshmukh was murdered after allegedly opposing an extortion attempt targeting an energy firm installing windmills in the area.
The extortion was allegedly orchestrated by a local leader, who demanded ₹2 crore from the company. Deshmukh’s intervention reportedly led to his abduction, torture, and murder.
Police have registered three FIRs in connection with the case:
- For Deshmukh’s abduction and murder.
- For an assault on a windmill firm’s security guard by locals.
- For the ₹2 crore extortion attempt against the energy firm.
Sharad Pawar’s Appeal for Security
On January 6, NCP SP leader Sharad Pawar urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure the safety and security of public representatives protesting against Deshmukh’s killing in Beed.