Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar stirred controversy on Thursday by suggesting that “smaller fish” might be killed in an encounter to protect the “big fish” in the Beed sarpanch murder case. His remarks, made during a press interaction in Nagpur, come days after Walmik Karad, an associate of Maharashtra NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, surrendered to the police.
Karad, wanted in connection with an extortion case tied to the brutal December 9 murder of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, was remanded to 14-day police custody after surrendering in Pune. Deshmukh was allegedly abducted and murdered for opposing extortion demands made to a windmill company.
Wadettiwar, without elaborating, claimed, “According to reliable sources, smaller fish could be killed in an encounter to save the big fish.” He also questioned whether beds were being taken to a police station for Karad, demanding an inquiry into alleged preferential treatment.
The Maharashtra government, facing mounting criticism, announced a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the sarpanch’s murder. The case has brought fresh scrutiny on the administration in Beed and the alleged connections between political figures and criminal activities.
Wadettiwar also took aim at the ruling Mahayuti government ahead of a cabinet meeting, urging them to deliver on promises made during the elections. He highlighted demands for increasing the monthly stipend under the Ladki Bahin scheme for women from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100 and granting a complete waiver of farmers’ loans.
The Ladki Bahin scheme, credited for the BJP-led coalition’s sweeping victory in the November 2024 assembly polls, remains a focal point of public interest. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently reiterated his commitment to the scheme and its proposed enhancements, seeking to honor pre-poll promises to voters.
As the SIT begins its investigation, Wadettiwar’s pointed remarks have intensified political tensions in Maharashtra, with opposition leaders keeping the government under close scrutiny over the unfolding scandal.
