Divya Delhi:  Dhananjay Munder resigned under pressure from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. His close associate Walmik Karad's involvement in sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder prompted this move. January saw Karad's judicial arrest. He faces a 2 crore extortion charge related to the murder. Maharashtra's former Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Minister was Dhananjay Munde. He was not charged with the high-profile murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, but his strong ties to Karad prompted calls for his resignation. Munde was elected NCP MLA from Parli, Beed, Maharashtra. His previous title was Beed's Guardian Minister. On Tuesday, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis told reporters, “Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde has tendered his resignation today. We accepted the resignation and referred it to the Governor for further action.” Depute CM Ajit Pawar said Munde resigned morally. The move comes as Opposition parties seek his resignation. Beed killed Deshmukh on December 9, 2024. He was reportedly abducted and tortured before being slain for opposing an energy firm extortion bid. Maharashtra CID filed a 1200-page chargesheet for Deshmukh's murder and two other cases. One suspect is missing while 7 have been arrested.