High-Profile Lawyer Ujjwal Nikam Appointed in Sarpanch Murder Case

The Maharashtra government has appointed esteemed lawyer Ujjwal Nikam as the special public prosecutor in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case. Deshmukh, a sarpanch, was allegedly murdered for opposing extortion against a wind energy firm. The CID is currently investigating with several arrests made and suspects still evading capture.

The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step in the legal proceedings of the Santosh Deshmukh murder case by appointing renowned lawyer Ujjwal Nikam as the special public prosecutor. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced this decision on social media, highlighting the involvement of a lawyer known for handling high-profile cases such as the 1993 Mumbai blasts and the 26/11 terror attacks.

Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village, was abducted and murdered in December 2024, allegedly due to his stance against extortion from a wind energy company in Beed district. The subsequent investigation has seen several arrests while the state Criminal Investigation Department continues to pursue those still at large, with posters displayed urging public assistance.

The murder case has drawn political attention, with BJP MLA Suresh Dhas meeting Fadnavis to advocate for Nikam's appointment, aiming to bolster the prosecution's case. This high-stakes legal battle is registered at the Kaij police station in Beed district.