“Encounter Likely to Protect Big Players”: Vadettiwar on Beed Sarpanch Murder Probe
Beed, 2nd January 2025: The murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh of Massajog village in Beed district has sparked a statewide uproar, with protests demanding strict action against the accused. The state government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. However, Congress leader Vijay Vadettiwar has leveled serious allegations, claiming that Valmik Karad, a suspect in the case, is being pampered by the police.
Addressing the media, Vadettiwar alleged preferential treatment towards Karad while in custody. He claimed, “Beds have been brought into the police station, supposedly for the officers. But has anyone ever heard of police sleeping on beds in a station before? This raises questions—are these beds for the police or for Valmik Karad? This matter must be thoroughly investigated.”
Vadettiwar made another sensational allegation, citing information from a senior official. He claimed that the authorities might stage an encounter with a “small figure” accused to shield the masterminds behind the crime. “I have received reliable information that there is a possibility of an encounter to eliminate a smaller accused and save the bigger players. I urge the police not to do this. If the accused is used to protect the masterminds, crucial evidence might be destroyed,” he stated.
Vadettiwar also took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the Mahayuti government, questioning the fairness of the investigation. He posted, “Did five new beds arrive at the Beed police station under the Mahayuti government’s ‘Ladke Accused Scheme’? This is no coincidence. When Karad is in custody, beds, TVs, and possibly five-star facilities are being provided. Is this how justice will be served?”
He further alleged that no serious action has been initiated against Karad, as neither a murder charge nor a case under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) has been registered. Vadettiwar added, “Does the government truly intend to act against Karad? If so, the investigation should be conducted outside Beed district, free from any local influence.”
The allegations have intensified the public outcry over the case. Protesters and opposition leaders are questioning the transparency and fairness of the investigation, putting additional pressure on the SIT and the state government to ensure justice for Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
Police officials have yet to respond to the allegations made by Vadettiwar.
