Beed sarpanch murder case: Key accused Karad undergoes treatment as he suffers panic attack in jail

Walmik Karad (above) is undergoing treatment inside the prison and can be shifted to a government-run hospital if needed. File pic

Walmik Karad, a close aide of former Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde and accused in the kidnapping and murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, suffered a panic attack in jail and is currently receiving treatment, an official said on Sunday.

Karad, who is lodged at Beed prison, complained of some health issues on Friday evening, an official stated, reported PTI.

The official stated that the doctors at the prison examined him as his sugar level dropped on Saturday, and he suffered a panic attack and was paralysed with fear.

Karad is undergoing treatment inside the prison and can be shifted to a government-run hospital if needed, the official further added, reported PTI.

Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured and murdered on December 9 last year, allegedly for attempting to stop an extortion bid targeting an energy company.

Seven persons, including Karad, have been arrested and booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

The others arrested included Sudarshan Ghule, Vishnu Chate, Jairam Chate, Mahesh Kedar, Sudhir Sangale and Prateek Ghule. One Krishna Andhale is a wanted accused in the case.

Suspended cop reiterates Walmik Karad encounter claim; fails to provide evidence

Suspended Beed police sub-inspector Ranjit Kasle reaffirmed on Thursday that he was presented with a contract to eliminate Walmik Karad, the principal accused in the case involving Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, through an encounter.

When questioned about proof for his claim, Kasle said such offers are made privately, with no evidence or trail left behind, reported PTI.

Kasle also stated that he rejected the offer because the law must punish Karad if the latter is guilty in the case.

According to news agency PTI, the suspended policeman also claimed he was "kidnapped and taken to Barshi in Kolhapur" and that his duty schedule was "changed on polling day".

Kasle claimed Rs 10 lakh was transferred into his account from a company linked to a former minister.

(With inputs from PTI)