After Sharad Pawar, Ajit visits Beed, meets family of slain sarpanch

Santosh Deshmukh was kidnapped and murdered in Beed district’s Kej taluka after he intervened in an extortion bid at a wind power plant in Massajog.

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Shortly after NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar visited Massajog village in Beed district to meet the family of slain sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar did the same on Saturday. While Ajit promised strict action into the matter, Sharad Pawar said Beed was living in fear and promised to take care of the sarpanch’s children’s educational needs.

On Saturday morning, Sharad Pawar met the family of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district who was kidnapped and murdered on December 9, and announced that he would take up the responsibility of educating Deshmukh’s daughter.

“The murder of Santosh Deshmukh has rattled the common man. Parliament turned solemn when the issue was raised… I was not present at the time. This matter should be deeply investigated,” Pawar said after meeting the family.

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“A sarpanch who worked relentlessly for 15 years was murdered. This is a serious issue. The Chief Minister has condoled the death and provided monetary help but the tragedy that has befallen the family cannot be eased. Beed is gripped by an atmosphere of terror,” he added.

“Deshmukh’s daughter should be sent to Baramati hostel. We will take responsibility for her till her college education is completed,” Pawar said.

Santosh Deshmukh was kidnapped and murdered in Beed’s Kej taluka after he intervened in an extortion bid by some goons at a wind power plant in Massajog. Following his murder, the Chief Minister announced an aid of Rs 10 lakh to the family besides setting up a special investigation team to probe the incident.

Beed MP Bajrang Sonwane, former minister Rajesh Tope, and MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar were also present during Sharad Pawar’s visit.

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After Sharad Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also visited the Massajog village. Speaking to reporters, Ajit Pawar said, “Whoever is the mastermind, he will not be spared.”

Ajit Pawar said the incident was very painful. ”We have decided to investigate the incident in two days. One is at the level of a senior police officer and another through judicial process… The incident is a blot on humanity. A big tragedy has befallen the family. We cannot bring the person back but we will ensure that whoever is behind the incident are not spared. The police have also taken action in the matter.”

Interacting with the villagers, Ajit Pawar said, “Like you, I am also pained by the incident. I have come here to reassure you. Under no circumstances will we allow any political interference in the matter. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has in the state legislature promised of action against those responsbile for the incident.”

When he was asked about the demand to arrest Valmik Karad, Ajit Pawar didn’t answer.

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