Jarange claims Munde, Karad met him before polls

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Pro-Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil claimed on Monday (February 3, 2025) that Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde and his associate Walmik Karad — later arrested in an extortion case linked to the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh — had met him before the State polls last year.

Mr. Munde, NCP MLA from Beed district and Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, has faced criticism following Mr. Karad’s arrest in the extortion case tied to Deshmukh’s murder in December 2024. Deshmukh was reportedly abducted, tortured, and killed for opposing an extortion bid targeting an energy firm.

Mr. Jarange-Patil claimed Mr. Karad was involved in financial embezzlement and alleged political shielding of absconding accused Krushna Andhale. He also linked Mr. Munde to the case, sparking Opposition’s demand for the Minister’s resignation.

The murder has taken on a caste angle, with Deshmukh being a Maratha and most of the accused belonging to the Vanjari community. Mr. Jarange-Patil continues to push for Maratha reservation under the OBC category.