New Delhi [India], December 23: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi departed from his Delhi residence on Monday morning to visit Parbhani district in Maharashtra. He is set to meet the families of victims who have died in the recent violence, including the family of Somnath Suryawnashi, a young Dalit activist and advocate who allegedly died in judicial custody following protests over the alleged vandalism of a replica of the Indian Constitution.
Maharashtra Police are enhancing security arrangements ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s visit. Meanwhile, Somnath Suryawnashi’s family has demanded the death penalty for the police officer responsible for his death while in custody. The victim’s brother, Premnath Suryawnashi, expressed his anger over the lack of communication from the police after his brother’s arrest. “The police did not inform me about my brother’s arrest, and only on December 15, did they inform me of his death, claiming it was due to a heart attack. Those responsible must be punished—suspension is not enough. They should be punished severely, even to the extent of hanging them,” he told ANI.
The mother of the deceased, Vijayabai Suryawnashi, echoed her son’s sentiments, demanding the death penalty for those involved in her son’s death. She called on the government to take swift action.
The violence in Parbhani erupted on December 10 after the alleged vandalism of a replica of the Indian Constitution. Special Inspector General of Nanded, Shahaji Umap, confirmed that around 50 individuals were arrested, and eight cases were filed in connection with the unrest. Several police officers, including a deputy superintendent of police, sustained minor injuries during the incident.