Dhananjay Munde Quits As Aide Is Arrested For Sarpanch Murder

Maharashtra Minister Resigns | Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde has resigned after one of his close aides was arrested in connection with the chilling murder of a sarpanch in Beed district in December. Mr Munde, who held the portfolios of food and civil supplies, has stepped down on the instructions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after his aide Walmik Karad was arrested for his alleged role in the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village. In a post on X, Mr Munde said it has been his firm demand that the accused in the sarpanch's murder case get the harshest punishment. "Seeing the photos that surfaced yesterday, I was deeply saddened. The investigation into this matter has been completed and the charge sheet has been filed in the court. Also, a judicial inquiry is proposed," he said. The NCP leader said he had heard his "inner self" to take the decision. He said his health has also not been well and the doctor had advised him to undergo treatment soon.