In a shocking development at Beed District Jail, a violent altercation between inmates has raised fresh concerns over law and order within the prison system. The incident involved Walmik Karad, the alleged mastermind in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case, and accused Sudarshan Ghule, who were reportedly assaulted inside the jail premises.
According to sources, the attack was carried out by Mahadev Gite, a supporter of NCP (SP) leader Baban Gite, and his accomplice, Akshay Athavale. The clash occurred around 10:30 AM on Monday during breakfast hours when inmates were allowed out of their cells. Mahadev Gite and Akshay Athavale allegedly launched a sudden attack on Walmik Karad, and when Sudarshan Ghule intervened, he too was assaulted. Jail authorities promptly stepped in, preventing the situation from escalating further.
The incident has once again raised concerns over prison security and the administration’s ability to maintain control. Similar violent incidents have been reported in the past, and the issue of VIP treatment for certain inmates has been a topic of intense discussion. The recent assault inside the jail has intensified scrutiny on Beed’s law and order situation.
Police Statement on the Incident
Officials from Beed District Jail addressed the matter, stating that the fight erupted over a dispute related to phone access between the Mahadev Gite group and the Sonawane-Fad gang. According to a media statement, Jail Police Director General Jallinder Supekar clarified that Walmik Karad had no direct involvement in the dispute and that no inmates sustained serious injuries.
Suresh Dhas’ Response
Political leader Suresh Dhas held a press conference to present his perspective on the altercation. He asserted that the clash stemmed from a conflict between two gangs over access to a special phone line within the prison. He further alleged that some high-profile inmates receive preferential treatment, including separate meals and access to external communication.
Dhas questioned the role of the police and administrative authorities, stating, “The SP should have been more vigilant. Despite being at headquarters, how did the administration allow VIP treatment for inmates? These criminals committed murders outside—what guarantees they won’t do the same inside?”
He also raised concerns about the allocation of inmates within different prison cells and suggested that some prisoners should be transferred to high-security jails in Amravati, Nagpur, or Nashik.
Social Activist Anjali Damania’s Remarks
Social activist Anjali Damania also weighed in on the matter, confirming reports of a heated argument inside Beed Jail, which escalated into a minor scuffle. While she downplayed the extent of the physical assault, she emphasized that the incident highlights Beed’s deteriorating law and order situation. Damania urged the government to take immediate action to prevent further violence inside the prison.
Congress Leader Harshavardhan Sapkal’s Criticism
Maharashtra Congress State President Harshavardhan Sapkal condemned the state government, stating that under the current administration, law and order have reached a critical state. He expressed concerns over rising criminal activities in Beed and accused the police of failing to control gang violence, which has now infiltrated the prison system.
“Gang wars that were once happening on the streets of Beed have now reached inside the jail. What are the police force and the Home Ministry doing?” he questioned, demanding a full-time Home Minister for Maharashtra instead of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis handling the portfolio.
Who is Baban Gite?
Baban Gite, a key figure linked to the incident, has been absconding for several months in connection with the murder of Bapu Aandhale, the former sarpanch of Maralwadi. Before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Gite switched allegiance from Dhananjay Munde’s faction to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), significantly altering Beed’s political landscape. However, following his involvement in the murder case, he went underground and has since evaded arrest. The recent prison altercation has once again brought his name into the limelight.
