Amid escalating tensions over the Beed sarpanch murder case, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule has called for restraint within his party, specifically urging MLA Suresh Dhas to avoid public remarks targeting NCP minister Dhananjay Munde. The case has stirred a political storm, with allegations of political interference in the investigation.

MLA Suresh Dhas, representing Ashti constituency, has repeatedly criticized Munde, albeit without directly naming him, claiming that the accused are evading arrest due to their alleged connections with the NCP leader.

In response, Bawankule stated, ?I will ask Suresh Dhas to share any evidence or information he has directly with the Chief Minister instead of making public statements. Such comments can hamper the ongoing investigation.?

Murder Sparks Political Fallout

The case centers on the gruesome killing of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village, who was allegedly abducted and murdered after opposing an extortion attempt involving a windmill company.

Four individuals, including Vishnu Chate, a former tehsil chief of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, have been arrested. Police are still searching for three others, including Walmik Karad, reportedly a close aide of Dhananjay Munde. Karad has also been named in an extortion case related to the windmill company.

According to the police, Deshmukh was killed after intervening in an extortion bid in which Chate had allegedly demanded ?2 crore from the energy company, threatening to halt its operations if the demands were not met.

Political Protests and Government Assurances

The brutal murder has triggered widespread protests across Beed, with citizens demanding swift justice. Photographs of Deshmukh's body, bearing injury marks, went viral on social media, further fueling public outrage.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the state legislature that the culprits would be brought to justice, regardless of their political affiliations.

BJP's State-Level Convention

Bawankule also visited Shirdi to oversee preparations for the BJP?s state-level convention, scheduled for January 12. He announced that BJP chief JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah would attend the event, with discussions focusing on fulfilling promises to the public and accelerating Maharashtra?s development.