Prime Accused Valmik Karad Surrenders At Pune’s CID Headquarters 3 Weeks After Santosh Deshmukh’s Killing (Video)

Pune: Valmik Karad, the prime accused in the Beed Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh’s murder case, surrendered at the CID headquarters in Pune on Tuesday, December 31, marking a critical development in the investigation. The CID confirmed his surrender and took him into custody after weeks of extensive efforts to locate him.

Heightened Security & Speculation Around Surrender

Speculation about Karad’s surrender began early Tuesday morning, leading to heavy police deployment outside the CID office. Supporters of Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde also started gathering at the site. Tight security measures were enforced to ensure law and order during the proceedings.

Karad, accused of orchestrating the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, had been on the run since the crime occurred three weeks ago. The CID, which is leading the investigation, already arrested four suspects and confiscated assets linked to the case. Karad’s last known location was traced to Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, but he had managed to evade capture until his surrender.

Political Fallout & Public Discontent

The case has sparked a political storm, with BJP MLA Suresh Dhas accusing Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde of involvement and demanding his resignation. The opposition has amplified these calls, increasing pressure on the state government. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently held discussions with Munde, reportedly addressing the case and Karad’s impending surrender, as per reports.

The murder has also fueled public outrage, particularly over the absconding status of three other suspects. Santosh Deshmukh’s family and local citizens criticised the slow pace of the investigation. On December 30, Deshmukh’s brother, Dhananjay Deshmukh, met CID officials to demand updates and clarity on the case.

Next Steps In Murder Investigation

The CID has announced that Karad will undergo extensive interrogation to uncover further details about the murder and his role in it. Legal proceedings are set to follow. Simultaneously, efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the remaining absconding suspects. The surrender marks a turning point in the case, with the CID now focusing on closing the gaps in its investigation.