Beed Sarpanch Murder: SC refuses to interfere with HC order rejecting bail to Valmik Karad

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Supreme Court has refused to interfere with the Bombay high court's order of Dec 17, 2025, that rejected the bail application of Valmik Karad, former Parli municipal council president and a prime accused in the abduction and murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district on Dec 9, 2024. "We have heard the learned senior counsel appearing for the petitioner. We are not inclined to interfere with the impugned (under challenge) order passed by the High Court," the SC bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice NK Singh said on Feb 26. "However," the bench said, "Liberty is granted to the petitioner (Karad) to file a fresh bail application after a period of one year, in which case, the impugned (under challenge) order will not stand in the way of the petitioner."Karad is among the key accused in the abduction and murder case that sent shockwaves across the Marathwada region.The state's case is that Deshmukh was abducted by a group of people over local political and personal rivalries. His body was later recovered, leading to the registration of a case of abduction and murder. The police invoked serious charges under the Indian Penal Code, including sections related to abduction, criminal conspiracy and murder. Several accused were arrested during the course of investigation, with Karad being cited as a prime conspirator.The case attracted considerable public attention in Beed district, given Deshmukh's political background and grassroots influence. Protests were reported in parts of the district after the incident, with demands for stringent action against those involved.The high court rejected Karad's bail plea taking note of the gravity of the offence and the allegations levelled against him. Challenging that order, Karad moved the Supreme Court seeking relief. With the apex court declining to grant bail at this stage, Karad will continue to remain in judicial custody.