On June 3, 2025, the CID submitted charge sheets to the court concerning the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the Sarpanch of Massajog, marking the case's 90-day milestone.
The charge sheet identifies Valmik Karad as the mastermind behind the heinous crime, as confirmed by the CID's investigation. The reports highlight the shocking manner of Deshmukh's murder, which was perpetrated with extreme violence, leaving many stunned.
According to the CID, the charge sheet contains over 1,000 pages detailing harrowing evidence surrounding Deshmukh's assassination. This includes photographic documentation of the events leading up to his death, illustrating the brutality of the attack.
Witnesses recounted how Deshmukh was stripped down to his undergarments and subjected to severe beatings. Disturbing images presenting him lying helplessly have surfaced, depicting not just the violence inflicted upon him but also the apparent glee displayed by the assailants.
Among the photographs, which have been circulated widely, is one showing Deshmukh laid out as if he were merely wearing his undergarments. Such images have evoked palpable outrage within the community, painting not just the physical, but the emotional toll of the crime.
Deshmukh’s younger brother, Dhananjay Deshmukh, was reportedly overwhelmed with grief upon seeing the evidence presented, describing it as heart-wrenching. "My brother was brutally murdered, and those eight accused have received undue support, leading them to commit such atrocious acts," he lamented.
Further investigations indicate there are close to 66 pieces of evidence compiled against the accused, indicating deep-rooted criminal activities linked to organized extortion, violent crime, and murder. The charge sheets mashing together incidents of extortion, atrocity, and murder reveal how these events were likely motivated by the same reasons.
CID’s analysis included alarming revelations of premeditated brutality. During the assault, valiant details were integrated from WhatsApp group chats wherein multiple offenders were seen participating and enjoying the tormenting actions. The notorious group labeled "Mokarpanti" became notorious following the release of videos showcasing the assault, which demonstrated how far the assailants were willing to go.
Participatory opacity deepened as video footage has emerged showing different individuals involved at the crime scene, contributing to the grim fascination over the monstrous nature of the attack. The CID is now undertaking forensics on these files to corroborate identities and actions taken during the crime.
Key perpetrators such as Visnu Chate, Sudarshan Ghule, Pratik Ghule, and several others have been called out through the evidence trails, and the gravity of the depictions they made needs thorough exploration. Photographs showcase them enjoying the violence and goading each other during the enragement.
Forensic submissions have confirmed this gruesome exchange between the killers and implied the support structure they may have found encouraging their sinister acts.
Within the charge sheets, details tell how Deshmukh was relentlessly beaten with rods and pipes, trampled, and even urinated upon, demonstrating not just malice but sadism among the attackers.
During and after the torment, there appeared to be no sense of remorse among the attackers as they indulged themselves by filming and photographing the entire assault. It’s reported one individual, Mahesh Kedar, was seen reveling as he films, provoked by the violent spectacle.
The narrative following this shocking murder has painted the perpetrators as devoid of compassion—like beasts rather than one another human beings. With the freshly documented torture cues, it connotes the loss of ethical moorings across the board.
The violent and illegal practices have incited locals leading to protests, with many calling for justice and immediate action. Police personnel, including SP Navneet Kowat, have urged citizens to refrain from taking law enforcement measures and to allow the judicial system to take its course.
These anguished events, rooted deep within community unrest, have triggered conversations about crime, justice, and moral accountability. Each gruesome detail adds weight to the case, prompting not just close scrutiny over the crime but calls for societal reflection on violence against leadership.
The police continue to gather comprehensive corroborative proofs to hold all culprits accountable under the law, as the demand for justice looms larger with each passing day. Whether this case may usher significant change legally and socially remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the injustice meted out to Santosh Deshmukh will not be forgotten easily.