Maharashtra: 23-Year-Old Dies by Suicide After Seeing Murder Photos of Beed Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh

Beed, Maharashtra (March 5, 2025): A 23-year-old man in Kej took his own life after being deeply disturbed by photos of the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district. The images, part of a police chargesheet presented in court, went viral on social media and sparked protests across the district.

The deceased, identified as Ashok Shinde from Janegaon in Kej taluka, had participated in a bandh demanding the death penalty for the accused. After returning home, he called his sister, Ashwini Mane, who lives in Pune, and expressed his distress. He told her he felt like taking an extreme step. His sister tried to console him, but he ended the call. Shortly after, he died by suicide.

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His brother, Shivraj Shinde, said Ashok had called him, but he was busy with work and could not answer. When he received a second call, he learned about the tragedy. His father, Haribhau Shinde, said he was in the fields with his phone switched off, which prevented him from speaking with his son.

Following the incident, Santosh Deshmukh’s brother, Dhananjay Deshmukh, visited Ashok’s family to offer condolences. He urged people not to take such extreme steps and to remain united in seeking justice for the victim.

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Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:

Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525