News for 'sarpanch'

Deceased sarpanch's kin drops plea seeking Munde's ouster

Deceased sarpanch's kin drops plea seeking Munde's ouster

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

A petition filed by murdered sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's brother in the Bombay high court, seeking a direction to the Maharashtra government to remove Nationalist Congress Party minister Dhananjay Munde from the cabinet, has been withdrawn.

Goa nightclub fire: 'Flagged illegalities for years, but...'

Goa nightclub fire: 'Flagged illegalities for years, but...'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

The original owner of the land where the Goa nightclub fire occurred claims he had flagged illegalities and fought a legal battle for 20 years.

Sarpanch murder: 'Ajit Pawar will soon know if...'

Sarpanch murder: 'Ajit Pawar will soon know if...'

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will come to know 'in a few days' if his Nationalist Congress Party and cabinet colleague Dhananjay Munde has any link to the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case, claimed Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Suresh Dhas on Friday.

Interpol issues Blue Notice for two Goa nightclub owners

Interpol issues Blue Notice for two Goa nightclub owners

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Interpol has issued a Blue Notice against the owners of a Goa nightclub who fled after a fire claimed 25 lives. Police are investigating violations and illegalities related to the nightclub's operation.

Slap murder charge on extortion accused: Slain Maha sarpanch's brother

Slap murder charge on extortion accused: Slain Maha sarpanch's brother

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of slain Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, climbed a village water tank on Monday and threatened to jump alleging that information about the investigation was not shared with the family. He demanded that the accused in the extortion case linked to sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder be booked under murder charges. Family members of the slain sarpanch and Opposition leaders are demanding that state minister Dhananjay Munde's aide Walmik Karad, arrested in a related extortion case, be booked for murder. Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village, was abducted, tortured, and murdered on December 9. Preliminary investigation suggests that the sarpanch had tried to thwart an extortion bid on an energy firm operating a windmill project in the region. After climbing down the water tank, Dhananjay told reporters that he trusted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' assurance on the probe. He further said his agitation was not a drama but a serious yearning for justice for his brother.

Sarpanch murder: Walmik, two aides seen with suspended cop in video

Sarpanch murder: Walmik, two aides seen with suspended cop in video

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

A video clip of three accused in an extortion case linked to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, walking together has emerged on social media. The video also shows a suspended police officer in the group accompanying the accused. The video has sparked controversy and raised questions about the involvement of the police in the case. BJP MLA Suresh Dhas has demanded that the suspended police officer be named as a co-accused in the case and that action be taken against other police officers who have been accused of wrongdoing.

SC reinstates woman sarpanch, fines Chhattisgarh govt

SC reinstates woman sarpanch, fines Chhattisgarh govt

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Coming down heavily on the Chhattisgarh government for removing an elected woman sarpanch of a remote village for 'unjustified reasons', the Supreme Court on Monday observed the state wanted the village head to go with a 'begging bowl before a babu (bureaucrat)'.

Goa nightclub built illegally on salt pan, no licence: Probe report

Goa nightclub built illegally on salt pan, no licence: Probe report

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

A magisterial inquiry report reveals that the Goa nightclub where a deadly fire killed 25 people was built illegally on salt pan and operated without a valid trade license, indicating serious lapses and collusion at multiple official levels.

Survivor claims fireworks inside Goa nightclub caused fire

Survivor claims fireworks inside Goa nightclub caused fire

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

A survivor recounts the chaotic scene at a Goa nightclub fire that resulted in 25 deaths, citing fireworks and a stampede as contributing factors.

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'The Maoist leadership spread fear that surrender meant torture or death. Once that false narrative collapsed and our operations proved transparent and credible, the surrender momentum became irreversible.' 'From 42,000 square kilometres, Maoist activity is now confined to barely 500-600 square kilometres -- less than two per cent of Bastar. This is their last remaining base area.'

Trainer aircraft crashes after hitting power line in MP, 2 injured

Trainer aircraft crashes after hitting power line in MP, 2 injured

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

A trainer aircraft crashed in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh, after hitting a power line, injuring the pilot and flight instructor. The aircraft belonged to Redbird Flight Training Academy.

Wife reveals Beed sarpanch was threatened by...

Wife reveals Beed sarpanch was threatened by...

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was threatened by some unidentified persons days before his murder following a quarrel at a windmill company, his wife claimed on Monday.

Convicted Maha minister Manikrao Kokate resigns from Cabinet

Convicted Maha minister Manikrao Kokate resigns from Cabinet

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Nationalist Congress Party minister Manikrao Kokate has resigned from the Maharashtra Cabinet after a court upheld his conviction and two-year jail term in a 1995 cheating and forgery case. This marks the second NCP minister to resign this year.

Delhi blast probe reveals 2 more hideouts of Dr Ganaie

Delhi blast probe reveals 2 more hideouts of Dr Ganaie

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Delhi blast investigation revealed that Dr Muzammil Ganaie, one of the prime suspects arrested in connection with the white-collar terror module linked to the November 10 terrorist incident, had two more hideouts near the Al Falah University.

Beed sarpanch murder: Jarange booked over remarks against Munde

Beed sarpanch murder: Jarange booked over remarks against Munde

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has been booked by Beed police for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde over the murder of a sarpanch in the district. The FIR was registered based on a complaint by Tukaram Aghav, who alleged that Jarange's remarks were aimed at creating a divide in society. The activist had targeted Munde during a rally in Parbhani, stating that the Maratha community would not allow Munde to roam the streets if the sarpanch's family was harmed. Munde's supporters protested against Jarange, demanding action against him. The sarpanch, Santosh Deshmukh, was abducted, tortured, and murdered on December 9, allegedly for trying to prevent extortion from an energy firm. Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder case, including Walmik Karad, an associate of Munde, who has been arrested in the extortion case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) is probing the cases.

Sarpanch murder: Assailants recorded 15 videos, took 8 photos of brutality

Sarpanch murder: Assailants recorded 15 videos, took 8 photos of brutality

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The chargesheet in the murder case of Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, reveals horrific details of the torture he endured at the hands of his abductors. The accused recorded 15 videos, clicked eight photos, and even made two video calls, documenting the brutality. Deshmukh was abducted and killed in December for attempting to foil an extortion bid on an energy company. Seven men, including a close aide of state minister Dhananjay Munde, have been arrested so far.

Goa fire: 100 people were on dance floor; victims trapped in kitchen

Goa fire: 100 people were on dance floor; victims trapped in kitchen

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

A fire at a nightclub in North Goa killed 23 people, many of whom were trapped in the kitchen while trying to escape. Fire safety violations are suspected.

Beed sarpanch murder: Maha govt forms 10-member SIT

Beed sarpanch murder: Maha govt forms 10-member SIT

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

The SIT will be headed by Crime Investigation Department's (CID) Deputy Inspector General Basavraj Teli, said an order issued by the state Home department.

Sarpanch murder: Munde's aide booked under MCOCA, supporters create ruckus

Sarpanch murder: Munde's aide booked under MCOCA, supporters create ruckus

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Walmik Karad, an aide to Maharashtra Nationalist Congress Party minister Dhananjay Munde, was on Tuesday charged under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody in an extortion case allegedly linked to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

Electric firecrackers likely caused blaze at Goa nightclub: CM

Electric firecrackers likely caused blaze at Goa nightclub: CM

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

A preliminary inquiry suggests electric firecrackers caused a devastating nightclub fire in Goa, resulting in 25 deaths. The incident has exposed illegalities and lax enforcement of safety rules.

Beed sarpanch murder: Dhananjay Munde offers to resign

Beed sarpanch murder: Dhananjay Munde offers to resign

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Amid opposition call for his resignation over the Beed sarpanch murder case, Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde on Wednesday said he is ready to quit if asked by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis or deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'This will split the Marathi and Shiv Sena vote.' 'The BJP has conducted 3 surveys indicating they shall secure 109 seats in the BMC.' 'They do not wish for the Shinde Sena to demonstrate excessive strength in the BMC.' 'If the Thackerays secure 60-70 seats, that will affect Shinde's seats.'

Beed sarpanch murder: 3 accused arrested; 7 nabbed so far

Beed sarpanch murder: 3 accused arrested; 7 nabbed so far

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

The accused, Sudarshan Chandrabhan Ghule (26) and Sudhir Sangle (23), were handed over to the special investigation team of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is probing the case, the official said.

Beed sarpanch was killed because...: SIT tells court

Beed sarpanch was killed because...: SIT tells court

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

A Special Investigation Team of Maharashtra Police told a court at Beed on Wednesday that Santosh Deshmukh was killed because he was thought to be an obstacle in a plan to extort Rs 2 crore from an energy firm, and Walmik Karad was in contact with his killers when the crime was executed.

25 killed as Goa club blaze turns weekend bash into horror

25 killed as Goa club blaze turns weekend bash into horror

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

A jampacked nightclub in North Goa turned into a death trap around midnight as a massive fire tore through it, claiming 25 lives and bringing to the fore illegalities along with the laxity of government officials in enforcing rules.

Justice Surya Kant Takes Oath As Chief Justice of India

Justice Surya Kant Takes Oath As Chief Justice of India

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

He will hold the office till February 9, 2027.

BJP leader bids Rs 2 cr for sarpanch post in Punjab

BJP leader bids Rs 2 cr for sarpanch post in Punjab

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

The auction, a violation of democratic norms, has been condemned by several political leaders. Elections to gram panchayats in Punjab will be held on October 15.

Maha police may invoke MCOCA in Beed sarpanch murder case

Maha police may invoke MCOCA in Beed sarpanch murder case

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Police are examining the past records of the arrested men in the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case and a related case of extortion to decide if the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) should be invoked, sources said on Thursday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he had requested senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam to appear as a special prosecutor in the murder case. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) has sought old case papers and chargesheets against the arrested men. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed, was abducted and brutally killed on December 9, allegedly for opposing an extortion bid by some persons who had demanded money from a windmill company. Beed Police has put up posters seeking information about whereabouts of three wanted accused in the murder case. CM Fadnavis said he spoke to BJP MLA from Beed, Suresh Dhas who demanded that Nikam be appointed as special public prosecutor in the case. Nikam was a special public prosecutor in several high-profile cases, including the 26/11 terror attacks and 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that "smaller fish" could be killed in fake encounters to save the "big fish" involved in the Deshmukh murder and extortion cases. Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra legislative council Ambadas Danve said the trial in the case should be conducted outside Beed district. NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, who has come under fire after the alleged involvement of his aide Karad in the extortion matter came to light, said those who murdered Santosh Deshmukh should be tried in a fast-track court and "hanged till death." The government on Wednesday set up a 10-member SIT to probe the case, headed by Deputy Inspector General -CID Basavraj Teli.

Beed boils over sarpanch murder, even allies want Munde out

Beed boils over sarpanch murder, even allies want Munde out

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Thousands of people gathered in Maharashtra's Beed city on Saturday to protest against the brutal murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh as even MLAs from ruling parties demanded the sacking of Nationalist Congress Party minister Dhananjay Munde.

Beed sarpanch murder: Rift in Mahayuti widens, NCP hits back at BJP MLA

Beed sarpanch murder: Rift in Mahayuti widens, NCP hits back at BJP MLA

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Suraj Chavan on Sunday took objection to Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Suresh Dhas targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar over the probe into the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district.

Op Sindoor case: Ashoka University prof moves SC for passport release

Op Sindoor case: Ashoka University prof moves SC for passport release

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, previously booked for social media posts, has petitioned the Supreme Court for the release of his passport, a condition of his bail. The court will consider the plea on November 18.

Beed sarpanch murder: Munde's aide turns himself in, govt in soup

Beed sarpanch murder: Munde's aide turns himself in, govt in soup

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Before going to the police, Karad posted a video on social media, announcing that he would surrender and claimed he was being linked to the murder case due to political vendetta.

'Shackled for 25 hrs': 50 US deportees from Haryana recount ordeal

'Shackled for 25 hrs': 50 US deportees from Haryana recount ordeal

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

A batch of 35 Indians deported from the US included people from Kaithal, Karnal, and Kurukshetra districts in Haryana. They recounted their experiences and the financial burdens they faced trying to immigrate to the US.

Meet next CJI who gave Kejri bail; SIR, Art 370 verdicts

Meet next CJI who gave Kejri bail; SIR, Art 370 verdicts

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Justice Surya Kant is set to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India, bringing extensive experience and a record of significant verdicts on key issues.

SC orders Railways to compensate widow after 20-year legal battle

SC orders Railways to compensate widow after 20-year legal battle

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court intervened to ensure a tragedy-struck widow received compensation from the Railways after a 20-year legal battle following her husband's death in a train accident.

They Fought To The Last Man For India

They Fought To The Last Man For India

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

On November 18, 1962, 114 soldiers of the 13th Kumaon fought till the last man, and last bullet, in sub-zero temperatures, to beat back the huge Chinese army. We salute the Heroes of Rezang La.

Under fire over sarpanch murder, Munde dropped as Beed guardian minister

Under fire over sarpanch murder, Munde dropped as Beed guardian minister

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

Pankaja Munde of the BJP -- Dhananjay Munde's cousin -- has been made the guardian minister of Jalna district.

Bihar Polls: Non-Stop Contest For Sops

Bihar Polls: Non-Stop Contest For Sops

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Both NDA and INDIA are racing to woo marginalised groups with Assembly polls fast approaching.

Back to back terror attacks in J-K: Ex-sarpanch killed, tourist couple shot at

Back to back terror attacks in J-K: Ex-sarpanch killed, tourist couple shot at

Rediff.com19 May 2024

Terrorists struck at two places in Kashmir on Saturday night, killing a former sarpanch in Shopian and injuring a tourist couple from Rajasthan in Anantnag, two days ahead of Lok Sabha elections in Baramulla.

'We are ruined': Ajit Pawar's outburst goes viral

'We are ruined': Ajit Pawar's outburst goes viral

Rediff.com26 Jul 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has caused a flutter by revealing that Hinjewadi IT Park in Pune is 'moving out' to Bengaluru and Hyderabad.