Protest Erupts Over Sarpanch's Murder: Maratha Outfit Challenges Deputy CM

Activists of the Maratha Mahasangh staged a protest against the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed, displaying black flags at Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in Jalna. They demand justice for Deshmukh and Dalit man Somnath Suryavanshi, who died in custody. State panels will investigate the incidents.

On Monday, Maratha Mahasangh activists staged a protest in Jalna, condemning the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed. The protestors displayed black flags to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, urging justice for the victim's family.

The demonstration was led by Arvind Deshmukh, district president of the Maratha Mahasangh, who criticized the government for inaction in the deaths of Deshmukh and Dalit man Somnath Suryavanshi. Suryavanshi died in custody after his arrest tied to unrest over the defacement of a constitutional replica in Parbhani.

The state government has responded by establishing panels to thoroughly investigate both incidents, as pressure mounts for transparency and accountability from activist groups and the affected communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)