Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed Minister of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Dhananjay Munde to step down from his position in the Mahayuti government following the shocking murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district. Munde is expected to submit his resignation on Tuesday, sources said.

The decision came late on Monday night after graphic images of Deshmukh’s killing went viral on social media, sparking massive public outrage, as reported by ABP News. A high-level crisis meeting at Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s official residence, Devgiri Bungalow, saw Fadnavis, Pawar, Sunil Tatkare, and Munde engage in intense discussions. Fadnavis reportedly made it clear that Munde must step down.

The controversy stems from the alleged involvement of Valmik Karad, a close aide of Munde, in the murder. Karad, who has been managing Munde’s election campaigns and district affairs for years, is accused of orchestrating the gruesome killing. With Karad's name surfacing in the case, opposition parties and citizens alike mounted relentless pressure for Munde’s resignation.

Initially, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar defended Munde, stating that he had no direct link to the crime. However, after shocking visuals of Deshmukh’s murder emerged, the outcry became unstoppable. Fadnavis, who had previously taken a neutral stance, was forced to act.

Shocking Videos Reveal Heinous Crime

The leaked videos and photos retrieved from the mobile phone of accused Mahesh Kedar have sent shockwaves across Maharashtra. The footage reveals a horrific sequence—Deshmukh was stripped, savagely beaten to death, and the assailants celebrated the act. Reports indicate that police have seized around 15 videos and 8 photos, capturing the brutal crime in graphic detail.

Among the other accused, Sudarshan Ghule was seen actively participating in the attack, further intensifying demands for swift justice. The viral visuals have added fuel to the political fire, pushing Munde into a corner.