Maharashtra Cop Dismissed From Service After 'Karad Encounter' Claim, Arrested Under SC/ST Act

The Maharashtra government has dismissed police sub-inspector Ranjit Kalse, who had allegedly been offered a contract to eliminate Valmik Karad, a key accused in the murder of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, officials said on Friday.

Shortly after his dismissal, the Shivaji Nagar police in Beed arrested Kalse in connection with a case filed against him under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Already under suspension, Kalse was dismissed under Article 311 of the Constitution, which permits the government to terminate a public servant without a formal inquiry. He has the option to challenge the decision in the Bombay High Court.

Kalse had made sensational claims that he was offered a hefty amount to kill Karad.

Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted and tortured to death on December 9 last year, allegedly for attempting to stop an extortion bid targeting an energy company.

Karad is among the eight persons arrested and booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Talking to reporters at Pune airport on Thursday night, Kalse reiterated his claim that he was given a contract to eliminate Karad in an encounter.

Kasle was under suspension, and a preliminary enquiry (PE) was underway against him.

A case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was registered against him for allegedly posting an objectionable comment on social media on April 2.

While on the run to evade arrest, he posted videos on social media making sensational claims that were rubbished by police officials time and again.

In a recent video, he expressed his willingness to surrender before the police, and he was detained from a hotel in Beed on Friday, the official said.

During his interaction with reporters in Pune on Thursday, when Kasle was asked if he had evidence to back his claim, he said those who make such offers do so behind closed doors and ensure no trail is left behind.

He also said he rejected the 'encounter' offer because the law must punish Karad if the latter is guilty in the case. Kasle had also claimed he was 'kidnapped and taken to Barshi in Kolhapur' and that his duty schedule was 'changed on polling day'.

He claimed Rs10 lakh was transferred into his account from a company linked to a former minister.