The brother of a murdered sarpanch in Beed, India, alleges a conspiracy to defame him and weaken the murder case, claiming pressure to withdraw the case after his brother's death due to opposing extortion.
Dhananjay Deshmukh, the brother of murdered Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, has claimed that attempts are being made to "defame and psychologically weaken" him in connection with the case.
Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was murdered in December 2024 for trying to stop an extortion attempt on a renewable energy firm, which had set up a windmill project in the area. Several persons were arrested in the case, including Walmik Karad, a close aide of NCP leader and former minister Dhananjay Munde.
"Pressure was exerted on me to withdraw the (murder) case. Efforts are being made to defame and psychologically weaken me. I was even called to a place as part of a conspiracy to enter into a deal to settle the case. But I chose not to go," Dhananjay Deshmukh told reporters after meeting Beed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat on Saturday.
Dhananjay Deshmukh and others met the SP to discuss issues affecting Massajog, including thefts, house breaking etc.