Walmik Karad surrenders to authorities in connection with a high-profile murder case in Maharashtra.
Walmik Karad, an accused in a significant extortion case in Beed district, was remanded to police custody for seven days by the Beed Sessions Court Judge S.R. Patil on Wednesday. He faces charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The former Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) corporator’s supporters have launched protests in Pangri village, demanding the dismissal of the case against him.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) outlined ten crucial points to justify their request for an extended police custody of Mr. Karad, alleging that the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was orchestrated as he resisted extortion efforts. Law enforcement officials indicated that a conspiracy was formed to kidnap Deshmukh, with Mr. Karad reportedly making threats on the day of the murder.
Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was tragically murdered on December 9, reportedly for obstructing an extortion scheme. While seven individuals were arrested and charged under MCOCA on January 11, Walmik Karad faced arrest linked to a ₹2 crore extortion case involving a local energy company, leading to his booking under MCOCA.
During the proceedings, Mr. Karad’s legal counsel contended that the SIT’s claims connecting him to the murder were unfounded. The lawyer questioned the timing of the extortion case filing and emphasized the lack of evidence tying Mr. Karad to the alleged conspirators. “It appears to be an afterthought without any substantial basis,” the lawyer asserted.
In addition to the ongoing legal scrutiny, the SIT presented the prior criminal records of Mr. Karad and other suspects involved in the Deshmukh case.
Protests Erupt in Beed
In response to the charges against him, Karad’s supporters organized protests in Pangri village and surrounding areas, escalating tensions in the region. Demonstrators, including family members, staged a sit-in outside the Parli police station, with his wife expressing concerns that Mr. Karad is being unfairly targeted to advance certain political agendas.
Additionally, Baramati MP and NCP leader Supriya Sule has pledged to address allegations against Walmik Karad regarding his dealings with local farmers. Sule intends to meet with affected farmers and discuss the matter with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, highlighting serious corruption claims linked to Mr. Karad’s activities.
Published – January 16, 2025 06:52 am IST
