Slain Beed Sarpanch’s Daughter Cracks NEET, Ajit Pawar Calls Her ‘Inspiration for New Generation’

Maharashtra's deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday commended NEET success of Vaibhavi Deshmukh, the daughter of murdered Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, stating congratulations on her achievement is "more than academic." Pawar stated this was an act of valour and determination in response to tragedy.

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Santosh Deshmukh was abducted, tortured and murdered on December 9, 2023, leading to a political firestorm through Maharashtra. Vaibhavi's accomplishment was amazing as she passed her Class XII exams and NEET entrance examinations for medical school despite the trauma of losing her father.

Ajit Pawar—who also was the guardian minister for Beed district—made a post on x. “Her journey is about unwavering determination in the face of adversity and is sure an inspiration for the new generation.”

“Vaibhavi's success cannot be measured by marks alone. Despite enduring personal hardships and battling extremely challenging circumstances, she refused to be discouraged or lose focus. Channelling her grief into grit, she persevered with discipline, dedication, and clarity of purpose to pursue and realize her dream of a career in medicine,” Pawar said in his post.

Ajit Pawar also did express in his post that Vaibhavi did not lose her courage and determination when her father was snatched away from her in brutal circumstances.

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Beed sarpanch murder case

Santosh Deshmukh was Maratha who was potentially murdered for being against an extortion racket linked with an energy firm. Dhananjay Munde in addition to no longer being a minster for Maharashtra is a close family associate of Valmik Karad, one of the individuals arrested in the case. The suspects were charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The incident led to a political backlash, with Munde resigning after harsh criticism on both the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi and fellow members of the ruling Mahayuti.

It also reignited caste tensions because most of the accused were from the Vanjari community.

The murder has made Beed central to the ongoing debate around law and order for the State of Maharashtra, but now the story of Vaibhavi has given a tale of hope and resilience after tragedy.

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