• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

A bandh was observed in Maharashtra’s Beed district on Tuesday as anger spread over the shocking murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Disturbing videos and images of the brutal killing went viral on social media, triggering outrage across the region.

According to Lokmat Times, the Additional District Magistrate of Beed has imposed a prohibitory order across the district as a preventive measure between March 3 and March 17. In protest, inhabitants in the Beed area have declared a bandh on Tuesday.

The situation remained tense in certain areas, with Maratha groups taking out a bike rally amid incidents of arson. In Kaij town, businesses remained shut, and public transport was suspended in response to the bandh, Hindustan Times reported.

ALSO READ: iPhone 16e Teardown Reveals Shocking Truth – Battery & Display Details Will Surprise You!

Prohibitory orders were issued under Section 37(1)(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, disallowing public gatherings, the use of weapons, explosives, or flammable substances, and restricting inflammatory materials, among other measures, the report claimed.

There are also restrictions on public provocation, which could include songs, music, or similar activities, along with a prohibition on unauthorised processions, as cited in a News18 report.

Why Are People Protesting?

Protesters are demanding strict action against those arrested in Deshmukh’s murder case. The backlash led to the resignation of Minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, reportedly following instructions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This comes after Munde’s close aide, Walmik Karad, was named as the mastermind in the Beed sarpanch murder case.

Images show Deshmukh being stripped and beaten with pipes and barbed sticks. One of the photos depicts accused Sudarshan Ghule urinating on his face while he was near death.

Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and murdered, allegedly for attempting to stop an extortion bid targeting an energy company in Beed. While seven individuals have been arrested for the crime, the primary accused, Krushna Andhale, remains at large.

ALSO READ: Tax Saving Alert! These Smart Investment Plans Can Save You Up To Rs 1.5 Lakh; Invest Before March 31

Moreover, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) minister Dhananjay Munde’s close aide, Walmik Karad, was also arrested in connection with the related extortion case.

The ongoing Maratha-OBC reservation conflict, combined with Deshmukh’s killing, has fueled tensions in Beed for the past few months, exposing deep-rooted caste-related issues.

Beed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat has urged residents to maintain peace and avoid taking the law into their own hands. A police statement confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has submitted a charge sheet in the murder case.

On 27 February, the CID filed a detailed 1,200-page charge sheet in a Beed court, covering Deshmukh’s killing and two connected cases, Hindustan Times reported, citing PTI.

Shocking Details of the Murder Emerge

NCP (SP) MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar condemned the attack, stating, “The videos and images of this horrific crime reveal the brutality of the accused. The bandh reflects public outrage over this inhuman act.”

One video shows five accused, including Sudarshan Ghule, repeatedly hitting Deshmukh with a white pipe and a wooden stick while also kicking and punching him. Another clip captures a half-naked Deshmukh being forced to sit on the ground.

In another disturbing instance, Ghule is seen making Deshmukh chant, “Sudarshan Ghule is the father of all.” Another suspect is then seen urinating on the severely injured sarpanch, according to details from the charge sheet.

Authorities Enforce Restrictions to Maintain Order

With growing tensions, authorities have imposed restrictions in Beed as a preventive measure. Additional District Magistrate Shivkumar Swamy issued prohibitory orders under Section 37(1)(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, banning public gatherings without prior permission.

These restrictions, in effect until 17 March, prohibit rallies, protests, and demonstrations involving five or more people to prevent any further escalation.