Mumbai: Two individuals who relentlessly pursued a crusade against NCP minister Dhananjay Munde were BJP MLA from Beed Suresh Dhas and activist Anjali Damania.
Dhas was vocal about seeking justice for the sarpanch’s family despite state BJP president Chandrasekhar Bawankule’s attempts to forge a truce. After hearing of the minister’s resignation, he said, “Dhananjay Munde should explain the extortion-related meeting at his official bungalow which led to the murder. The victim’s family have complete trust in the chief minister, and I am thankful he proactively acted on all requests to get justice for the family.”
Activist Anjali Damania, who had visited Beed and collected material linked to the case, broke down at a press meet while criticising the govt for protecting criminals. She said Munde’s resignation occurred only after disturbing photos connected to the Beed murder case went viral. She alleged that the chief minister and deputy CM were protecting Munde. Dhas and Damania’s statements, raising concerns about Munde’s connections with key murder accused Valmiki Karad, is believed to have put pressure on the govt. “The chief minister, who also manages the home ministry portfolio, was aware of the video-photos but acted only after it went viral in the media,” said Damania.
She also criticised the opposition’s mild response and spoke of corruption in police postings. Damania had announced plans to file a PIL over the issue. —Vijay V Singh