‘Wish father was here to share my joy’: Slain Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh’s daughter scores 85.3% in HSC exams

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Vaibhavi Deshmukh (18), the daughter of slain Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, secured 85.3% in the HSC exams in science stream, showcasing remarkable resilience in the face of immense personal loss. She actively participated in protests and agitations with her family and villagers, demanding justice for her father's kidnapping and brutal murder.
"Before checking my results, I stood in front of my father's photo and sought his blessings. I could feel him still guiding me. I just tried to fulfil his dream," Vaibhavi said, her voice trembling with emotion. "But it's saddening that he's not here to share my joy," she said.
As soon as the HSC results were announced on Monday, villagers reached out to the Deshmukh family to congratulate Vaibhavi for her success. She also received several phone calls, including one from NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule, congratulating her on the result. Many villagers even termed her success a tribute to her father's legacy.
Vaibhavi appeared for the board exams just two months after her father's murder on Dec 9 last year, which had thrown the family into emotional turmoil. She achieved impressive scores, securing 512 out of 600 marks, with highlights including 98 in biology, 94 in mathematics and 91 in chemistry.
"She actively participated in protests demanding justice for her father, even during the exam period," Krishna Deshmukh, her uncle, said.