In a closely watched by-election in Maharashtra’s Beed district, the wife of slain sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was defeated in the race for the sarpanch post in Massajog village, reported the PTI. The result was declared on Wednesday following counting at the Kaij tehsil office. Returning Officer Santosh Karajwankar confirmed that Swarupanand Deshmukh secured victory by a margin of 92 votes. Ashwini Deshmukh, widow of the murdered sarpanch, had contested the election amid expectations of a sympathy wave. However, the electorate opted for Swarupanand Deshmukh, overturning the outcome of the previous election. In the last sarpanch poll, Santosh Deshmukh had narrowly defeated Swarupanand by just nine votes. Winner promises development and justice After the victory, Swarupanand Deshmukh said the mandate reflected people’s aspirations for development. He stated that while the election had been won, efforts to secure justice for the late Santosh Deshmukh would continue, adding that those responsible for the killing must be held accountable. Murder that triggered bypoll The by-election was necessitated after Santosh Deshmukh was brutally murdered on December 9, 2024. He was …