News for 'sarpanch'

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.

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: 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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

How Women Voters Cemented Nitish Kumar's Political Fortress

How Women Voters Cemented Nitish Kumar's Political Fortress

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

For nearly two decades, Nitish Kumar has cultivated women as a distinct constituency. 'To create a broader vote base, he thought it would be better to bring women to electoral politics.'

Cabinet reshuffle buzz in Maharashtra strengthens

Cabinet reshuffle buzz in Maharashtra strengthens

Rediff.com26 Jul 2025

The speculation about the likely cabinet reshuffle in Maharashtra strengthened on Saturday, with senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stressing that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' discretion is supreme among allies.

Operation Sindoor, swadeshi push in Modi's I-Day speech

Operation Sindoor, swadeshi push in Modi's I-Day speech

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

The invitation cards for the 79th Independence Day celebration also carry the Operation Sindoor logo, and the water mark of Chenab bridge to exemplify the rise of 'Naya Bharat'. Floral decorations at the venue will also be based on 'Operation Sindoor'.

'Where There Is So Much Infrastructure Creation, There Will Be Debt'

'Where There Is So Much Infrastructure Creation, There Will Be Debt'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'We have created massive infrastructure in the past six years.'

Tension in Rajasthan town over objectionable Yoga Day post

Tension in Rajasthan town over objectionable Yoga Day post

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

The tension gripped the area after a man was arrested for allegedly sharing an objectionable post about the Yoga Day, they said.

Bureaucrats can't be allowed to frustrate grassroot democracy: SC

Bureaucrats can't be allowed to frustrate grassroot democracy: SC

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has upheld a Bombay High Court order reinstating a woman as the sarpanch of a Maharashtra village, stating that bureaucrats cannot be allowed to "frustrate grassroot democracy." The court criticized instances of bureaucrats misbehaving with elected representatives and attempting to disqualify them by reopening old cases. The case involved Kalavati Rajendra Kokale, whose resignation from the sarpanch's post was withdrawn, but the Raigad district collector declared a vacancy and conducted a fresh election. The court found the collector's actions illegal and upheld Kokale's reinstatement, highlighting the importance of respecting the democratic process and elected representatives at the grassroots level.

'She's our pride': Village near Mumbai mourns Air India crew member

'She's our pride': Village near Mumbai mourns Air India crew member

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

Villagers gathered at the house of Maithili Moreshwar Patil after news of the tragedy started dominating news headlines, with most recollecting the hard work she put in to pursue her dreams in the aviation sector despite coming from a humble background.

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.

Rule of law or rule of muscle power? HC slams Maha city planning body

Rule of law or rule of muscle power? HC slams Maha city planning body

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The Bombay High Court has criticized the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for failing to take action against illegal structures in Navi Mumbai. The court questioned whether the rule of law or the rule of muscle power prevails in the state, noting that CIDCO officers were threatened by a local sarpanch when they attempted to take action. The court directed CIDCO to demolish the unauthorized structures within a week and ordered the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner to provide protection to CIDCO officers.

Operation Sindoor post lands Ashoka University associate prof in jail

Operation Sindoor post lands Ashoka University associate prof in jail

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Ashoka Univeristy associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been arrested for his social media post on Operation Sindoor, police said in Sonipat on Sunday.

Focus on Ashoka Univ prof's SM posts, don't seize gadgets: SC

Focus on Ashoka Univ prof's SM posts, don't seize gadgets: SC

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has questioned the line of investigation adopted by the Haryana SIT in the case of an Ashoka University professor booked for social media posts, stating that it "misdirected itself."

SC to hear arrested Ashoka univ prof's plea in 2 days

SC to hear arrested Ashoka univ prof's plea in 2 days

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a plea of Ashoka University's political science department head Ali Khan Mahmudabad challenging his arrest for social media posts related to Operation Sindoor.

7 children killed as school building collapses in Rajasthan

7 children killed as school building collapses in Rajasthan

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

A regular morning alive with the chatter of students assembling for prayers quickly turned into tragedy on Friday when a portion of their government school building collapsed, killing seven children and injuring 27, some of them critically.

Air India crash: She promised to call her father

Air India crash: She promised to call her father

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

Before her flight to London, Air India crew member Maithili Patil had made a final, comforting promise to her father, Moreshwar Patil, that she would call him once she reached the city. But the call did not come.

Ambedkar statue stolen from MP village two days after installation

Ambedkar statue stolen from MP village two days after installation

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

A statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, was stolen from a village in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district just two days after it was installed. Police have registered a case of theft and are investigating the incident. The statue was installed in Bari village on Tuesday and was reported missing on Thursday. The villagers had crowdfunded to purchase the statue. Police have detained two suspects in connection with the theft.

Shinde seeks death penalty for 'Walmik Karad or anyone else'

Shinde seeks death penalty for 'Walmik Karad or anyone else'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has demanded the death penalty for those involved in the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, calling the crime "heinous." Shinde said that no one involved in the case, including Walmik Karad, a close aide of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, will be spared. Deshmukh was abducted and tortured to death on December 9 after he resisted an extortion attempt targeting an energy company operating a windmill project in the area. Karad was arrested in the extortion case linked to the murder after he surrendered to police in Pune on December 31.

Munde came to meet me with Walmik Karad, reveals Jarange

Munde came to meet me with Walmik Karad, reveals Jarange

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday claimed Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde met him before the state polls last year along with his associate Walmik Karad, arrested later in an extortion case linked to the murder of a sarpanch.

Shreyas Iyer's Punjab Kings Era Begins in Style

Shreyas Iyer's Punjab Kings Era Begins in Style

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

This team-first mentality has won widespread praise, with social media buzzing over Iyer's leadership

Karad told aides to eliminate anyone who comes in their way: Police

Karad told aides to eliminate anyone who comes in their way: Police

Rediff.com2 Mar 2025

Walmik Karad, a close aide of Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde, has been charged with ordering the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, who allegedly opposed Karad's extortion bid targeting a wind energy company. According to a chargesheet filed by the state Crime Investigation Department (CID), Karad allegedly asked his associates to "eliminate" anyone who interfered with their extortion attempt. Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and murdered in December 2024 after he attempted to stop the extortion bid. Karad and several others have been charged with murder, extortion, and organized crime.

Panchayat Season 4 Review: Evil In Rustic Paradise

Panchayat Season 4 Review: Evil In Rustic Paradise

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Panchayat Season 4 is watchable, mainly because of the wonderful actors, who, over the seasons have developed a warm rapport, notes Deepa Gahlot.

Panchayat 4 Is Back And We Can't Keep Calm!

Panchayat 4 Is Back And We Can't Keep Calm!

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Since the actors fit their parts perfectly, and everybody gets enough of an opportunity to shine, they have become familiar to viewers. So along with its relatable, laugh-out-loud content, they are a big reason for the show's popularity, notes Deepa Gahlot.