Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi, during his visit to Maharashtra’s Parbhani, alleged that the death of Dalit activist Somnath Suryawanshi was a custodial murder and attributed it to caste-based discrimination and a violation of constitutional values.
Key Statements by Rahul Gandhi
- Allegations Against Authorities:
- He asserted that Suryawanshi’s death was a custodial killing, supported by evidence like the post-mortem report and videos shown to him by the victim’s family.
- Claimed that the Chief Minister misled the Assembly to shield the accused police officials.
- Criticism of RSS Ideology:
- Accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of working to “destroy” the Constitution.
- Held the state government, specifically the Chief Minister, accountable for enabling such incidents.
- Demand for Justice:
- Urged swift action and punishment for those responsible.
- Stated that the case transcends politics, emphasizing the need for justice for the Dalit community.
Context: Violence in Parbhani
- Incident Timeline:
Violence erupted on December 10, triggered by the alleged vandalism of a replica of the Indian Constitution.
Somnath Suryawanshi, a Dalit activist, was arrested during the unrest and later died in police custody on December 15, allegedly due to a heart attack as per police statements. - Police Action:
- Over 50 individuals were arrested, and eight cases were registered in connection with the unrest.
- Police reported injuries to 10 personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police.
- Family’s Demands:
- The deceased’s family refuted claims of a natural death and demanded the death penalty for the accused police officer.
- Premnath Suryawanshi, Somnath’s brother, accused the police of withholding information about his brother’s condition until his death.
Political and Social Implications
- Congress Response:
Rahul Gandhi, joined by Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole, visited Parbhani to pay homage and support the victim’s family.
This marks a significant political move, focusing attention on caste-based injustices and custodial violence. - Dalit Community Concerns:
The incident has raised widespread concerns about systemic caste discrimination and police brutality. - Next Steps:
The Congress party has demanded an impartial investigation, accountability for the perpetrators, and measures to prevent similar incidents.
Further developments in the investigation and the government’s response are awaited.