MUMBAI: State government has removed nine cops from the SIT probing the Massajog sarpanch murder case in Beed. The cops were replaced by six state CID officials including an additional superintendent of police to maintain impartiality in the probe, as per a govt resolution issued on Monday.
Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Kej tehsil of Beed, was abducted and murdered on Dec 9.
Earlier, NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad had raised concerns about a sub-inspector from Beed police who was part of the SIT, citing a photograph showing the officer’s association with Valmiki Karad, a suspect in the case.
Karad, a close associate of minister Dhananjay Munde, turned himself in to state CID earlier this month. CID subsequently arrested him in a separate case of extortion.
While Karad maintains his innocence, citing political motivation behind the accusation against him in the murder case, opposition parties allege he is the prime accused.
The state formed an SIT, led by CID deputy inspector general Basavraj Teli and consisting nine Beed cops, through a GR to probe the murder case on Jan 1.
Sources said CM Devendra Fadnavis personally called up Beed SP Navneet Kanwat and Teli to review the progress of the case. “Fadnavis said no mercy should be shown to anyone found guilty. Strict action must be taken against all responsible,” sources added.
(With agency inputs)
