The ongoing Maratha-OBC reservation row and the Santosh Deshmukh murder case have kept Beed in the spotlight for the past few months. With rising tensions, political rallies, and concerns over law and order, authorities fear the situation may deteriorate. Additionally, viral images of Santosh Deshmukh’s murder, which surfaced on social media on March 3, have triggered widespread outrage. In response, the Additional District Magistrate of Beed has issued a prohibitory order as a precautionary measure.
Also Read | Beed Sarpanch Murder Case: Accused Shot Videos, Clicked Pics While Torturing Santosh Deshmukh, Says Police.
Various community groups, including the Maratha, OBC, and Dhangar communities, have been staging protests demanding reservation rights in the district. Simultaneously, there is an ongoing agitation demanding strict punishment for those accused in the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Kej taluka. Due to these developments, authorities anticipate possible unrest. As a preventive measure, Additional District Magistrate Shivakumar Swamy has enforced prohibitory orders in Beed from March 3 to March 17 to maintain law and order. In protest, citizens have called for a bandh in Beed district today.
Restrictions Imposed Under Prohibitory Orders:
The prohibitory orders, issued under Section 37(1)(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, impose the following restrictions:
No Public Gatherings: Without prior permission, any gathering of five or more people, including rallies, protests, demonstrations, and sit-ins, is prohibited.
Ban on Weapons: Carrying weapons such as swords, sticks, guns, or any items that can cause physical harm is strictly prohibited.
No Explosive or Flammable Substances: Storing or carrying inflammable materials, explosives, or stone-pelting tools is banned.
Restriction on Inflammatory Content: Speeches, body-shaming, ironic imitations, or provocative slogans that may incite violence or disrupt social harmony are not allowed.
No Public Provocation: Public announcements, songs, music, or any act that violates constitutional values or threatens the state’s security will not be tolerated.
No Unauthorised Processions: Gathering in groups of five or more for processions or marches without permission is prohibited.
Political Developments:
Meanwhile, with images of Santosh Deshmukh’s murder circulating on social media, the administration remains on high alert. Amid this, growing calls for Minister Dhananjay Munde’s resignation have put pressure on the government. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar held discussions on the issue late last night. Reports suggest that the Chief Minister has asked Dhananjay Munde to step down.