Pune: Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde expressed anger at journalists when questioned about the Santosh Deshmukh murder case and Valmik Karad’s involvement during her visit to Pune. She snapped at reporters, saying, "I am in Pune, so ask me about Pune. Why are you questioning me about Beed?"
Her reaction came after journalists raised queries regarding the CID’s 1,400-page charge sheet filed in connection with the case. Valmik Karad has been named as the prime accused in Deshmukh’s murder, and the CID has submitted its findings in court.
When asked to comment on the charge sheet, Munde denied having any knowledge of it, stating, "That information is confidential. Once it is officially presented in court, I will comment. Until then, I will not say anything based on your claims."
However, when journalists insisted that the charge sheet was 1,500 pages long and included Karad’s name, Munde fired back, "Have you read it? If you say you have, then contempt of court proceedings could be initiated against you. How would I know what’s in it? The Home Ministry has that information, not me."
When asked whether cases like the Santosh Deshmukh murder were damaging Beed’s reputation, Munde became visibly irritated and turned the discussion toward Pune, saying, "Why are you asking about Beed when I am in Pune? A girl was raped at the Pune bus stand—why aren’t you asking me about that? You are Pune journalists, aren't you? A biker was also attacked in Nanded. These incidents are happening across Maharashtra."
She further defended herself against allegations of inaction, stating, "I have already condemned Santosh Deshmukh’s murder. How many times do I have to demand a separate inquiry? Check my December 12 speech. I do not have any more details on the case because I am not in the Home Ministry. The Home Ministry and the court will handle the matter, and the necessary action should be taken."