The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has named Walmik Karad, a close aide of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) minister Dhananjay Munde, as the main accused in the murder of Massajog Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
The CID has submitted an 1,800-page chargesheet before the Special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court against eight accused in the case. Those named in the chargesheet include Valmik Karad as the main accused, along with Vishnu Chate, Sudharshan Ghule, Pratik Ghule, Jairam Chate, Sudhir Sangale, Sidharth Sonawane, and Krishna Andhale.
The chargesheet states that Karad had declared, “Eliminate anyone who comes in the way; otherwise, we will be left begging.”
The CID has also filed crucial evidence such as audio samples matching the voice of Karad – who allegedly demanded Rs2 crore in extortion from the ‘Avada’ company, which had invested Rs300 crore in a wind energy project. The chargesheet also includes voice samples of company employees, CCTV footage establishing a connection between the murder accused and the extortion case, and other digital evidence.
The investigation, conducted by the special investigation team (SIT) headed by Basavaraj Teli (IPS), involved statements from around 180 witnesses and panch (independent witnesses). The charge sheet identifies Karad as the mastermind behind the crime, making him the prime accused.
As per the chargesheet, the second accused, Vishnu Chate, received a call from Karad on November 29, during which Karad threatened, “Stop the work as per Sudarshan Ghule’s instructions or face serious consequences. If the work continues, remember the repercussions.” Following this, a demand for Rs2 crore in extortion was made.
The charge sheet, however, acknowledges that Chate’s mobile phone has been destroyed. Visuals of accused number six have been presented in court.
Following Karad’s arrest, authorities seized his iPhone and two other mobile phones. Based on conversations retrieved from these devices, the charge sheet was filed.
Details from the Chargesheet on the Extortion Case
On October 8, 2024, Shivaji Thopte, the land acquisition officer of Avada Energy Pvt. Ltd., met Valmik Karad at his office in Parli. Vishnu Chate was also present. During the meeting, Karad allegedly threatened, “If you want to continue the company’s operations, pay Rs2 crore. Otherwise, shut down all Avada company operations in Beed district.”
On November 29, Sudarshan Ghule reinforced the demand, saying, “Fulfill Anna’s (Valmik Karad’s) demand and meet him. Until then, halt all work.”
Meeting to Plan the Crime
On November 29, 2024, a meeting was held at Vishnu Chate’s office in Kej, attended by Valmik Karad, Vishnu Chate, Sudarshan Ghule, Pratik Ghule, Sudhir Sangle, and Krishna Andhale. They discussed what measures to take since Avada Energy Pvt. Ltd. was refusing to pay the Rs2 crore extortion. Pratik Ghule, Sudhir Sangle, and Krishna Andhale were also involved in the conspiracy.
Attack on Security Guard
Despite repeated extortion attempts, when Avada Energy Pvt. Ltd. did not comply, on December 6, 2024, Sudarshan Ghule, Pratik Ghule, and Sudhir Sangle stormed the company premises, assaulted a security guard, and hurled caste-based abuses.
Threats Against Santosh Deshmukh
Shivaji Thopte was again threatened: “Pay Rs2 crore or shut down the company.” Employees of Avada Energy Pvt. Ltd. called the village sarpanch of Massajog, Santosh Deshmukh, for help. Deshmukh requested Sudarshan Ghule and his associates, “Do not shut down the company. Let people continue earning their livelihood.”
However, Vishnu Chate, angered by Deshmukh’s interference, warned him, “Sarpanch, I will see you. You will not be spared alive.”
Eliminate Anyone Who Interferes
On December 7, 2024, Sudarshan Ghule called Valmik Karad. Karad instructed him: “If people keep opposing us, we’ll end up begging. No company will ever pay extortion. From now on, eliminate anyone who stands in our way. Get to work.”
Following this, Santosh Deshmukh was brutally beaten and murdered.
