Didn't meet Pawar to seek Munde's removal over Beed sarpanch murder: BJP MLA

BJP MLA Suresh Dhas has said he did not meet Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP head Ajit Pawar to seek minister Dhananjay Mundes removal in connection with the case of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukhs murder reported news agency PTIDhas has been targeting NCP leader Munde over his close associates alleged involvement in an extortion case linked to Beed sarpanch murderSantosh Deshmukh the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district was abducted tortured and murdered on December 9 allegedly in retaliation for his efforts to prevent extortion attempts against an energy firm linked to a windmill projectAs part of the investigation police have so far arrested seven persons connected to the caseMundes associate Walmik Karad has been arrested in a related extortion caseSpeaking to reporters on Tuesday evening after meeting the NCP chief Dhas said I met Deputy CM Ajit Pawar regarding a multistate cooperative bank that has caused heavy financial losses to people in Beed district and some neighbouring areas I sought his intervention in this matter reported PTIAsked about the deceased sarpanchs family members meeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday Dhas said the CM has given them a firm assurance that those involved in the Beed sarpanch murder case will not be spared They will face appropriate legal action irrespective of who they are he saidWe have also requested Fadnavis that Santosh Deshmukhs wife be given a government job on compassionate grounds Fadnavis has agreed to the demand and she may get a posting in Latur district so that the education of her two children will not be hindered Dhas said reported PTIAsked about the demand for Mundes ouster from the council of ministers the BJP leader said We did not come here to seek Dhananjay Mundes resignation We informed him Pawar about the suffering of Deshmukhs family reported PTISantosh Deshmukh worked as booth chief of the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha and assembly elections as well as the general and state polls held last year he saidHe worked for the BJP every time and it is a major loss for us Dhas added reported PTIA controversy has erupted over the Special Investigation Team SIT formed by the Maharashtra government to investigate the sarpanch murder case after photographs showing close links of some of its members with the accused persons went viral on social mediaLeaders from the opposition parties as well as Dhas have demanded formation of a new SIT which could work impartiallyFadnavis has agreed to look into our demand about the SIT and appropriate decisions will be announced in the next couple of days Dhas said reported PTIHe further claimed that persons accused in Deshmukhs murder case as well as in the extortion case are habitual offendersWith inputs from PTI