Mumbai: Activist Anjali Damania has levelled serious allegations against Minister Dhananjay Munde, claiming that he violated the Office of Profit rules by benefiting his company through state contracts. Speaking to the media after meeting Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla, Damania stated that Munde’s ministerial position and MLA status could be in jeopardy.

Damania revealed that Munde, along with his associates, owns companies such as Venkateshwara Industrial Services, Turtles Logistics Limited and Jagmitra Sugar. She questioned how MahaGenco could award contracts to these companies, directly benefiting Munde and his partners, including Rajshree Munde and Walmik Karad. “Such actions constitute a violation of Office of Profit regulations, and Dhananjay Munde’s MLA status and ministerial position are now at risk,” she added.

Karad, who is also an accused in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case, was recently granted 14 days of judicial custody by a Beed district court. Damania expressed dissatisfaction over the development, questioning the haste shown by the CID in declaring the preliminary investigation complete.

“After a video surfaced showing Karad with Deshmukh’s killers, a deeper investigation was necessary. How did Karad receive judicial custody so quickly?” Damania asked.

Damania also raised concerns about the choice of jail for Vishnu Chate, another accused in the Deshmukh murder case. She alleged that Chate was sent to Latur Jail, where he has close connections with several people. “I have provided a list of Chate’s associates to the DGP and requested that the investigation and trial be shifted to Mumbai. Additionally, all accused should be moved to Arthur Road Jail to break any collusion with the police,” Damania said.

Damania questioned how Munde’s Jagmitra Sugars received a Rs62 crore loan. She demanded that the HC direct the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and CID to conduct a thorough investigation. “I have handed over all the necessary documents to DGP Rashmi Shukla, who has assured action,” Damania stated.

Moreover, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said those involved in Santosh Deshmukh murder case will not be spared, and sought death sentence to the accused for the "heinous" crime.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday hit out at the Maharashtra government over sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder and accused it of trying to save NCP minister Dhananjay Munde's close aide Walmik Karad, arrested in a linked extortion case.

Talking to reporters, Thackeray said the people of Beed have expressed anguish over the murder case and they were trying to know when Deshmukh will get justice.

"We saw [in actor Saif Ali Khan attack case] that police arrested [the accused], a Bangladeshi, in 24 hours because they were given a free hand. But is the Home Department is trying to save Karad. Who is the government trying to save and why is it trying to do so?" the former state minister asked.