Dhananjay Munde invokes Valmik Karad amid rising scrutiny in Beed politics
Dhananjay Munde
During a recent address, minister and MLA Dhananjay Munde referenced his associate Valmik Karad while addressing the ongoing controversy around the murder case of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, reigniting debate over law-and-order and political accountability in the region.
Beed, 24 November 2025 – In the latest political development from the region, Dhananjay Munde, minister and MLA, brought up Valmik Karad in a public speech, a mention that has triggered renewed scrutiny around the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh and ensuing questions of political responsibility. The incident comes against the backdrop of serious allegations: Karad, an associate of Munde, is accused of orchestrating the kidnapping, torture and murder of Deshmukh in December 2024.
The case has since morphed into one of the major law-and-order flashpoints in Maharashtra, raising questions about how deep political connections may influence criminal investigations. In his address, Munde asked opponents why Beed’s reputation was being sullied, and in doing so referenced Karad’s name indirectly, bringing the spotlight back on the controversial link. Critics argue the move was ill-timed and deflective, suggesting the minister was attempting to reframe the narrative away from his role and the region’s troubled governance. The charge sheet filed by the CID outlined a conspiracy tied to an extortion bid against a wind-energy firm in Massajog village, after which Deshmukh was abducted and subjected to prolonged torture before dying.
The arrests and subsequent public revelations have been accompanied by protest, outrage and demands for accountability. Munde, whose ministerial position and political standing are under fire, appears to be walking a tightrope: appealing to his voter base and attempting to manage reputational damage, while the opposition and civil society continue to press for clarity and action. Meanwhile, the repeated emergence of Karad’s name and his alleged network of influence in Beed has reignited discussion about patron-power, impunity and how local power structures intersect with criminal acts. Munde’s mention of Karad during his speech signals that the actor remains central to the ongoing drama—not just legally, but politically.
For voters in the district, the episode underscores a deeper concern: whether the promise of justice will be delivered, or whether political calculations will continue to dominate the discourse. As the legal process proceeds and public attention remains fixed on Beed’s law and order record, Munde’s next steps—both in his official capacity and his political messaging—will be closely watched. The district’s governance, the role of powerful aides, and the accountability of elected officials are all at stake in how the story continues to unfold.
