'Somnath Suryavanshi Killed As He Was Dalit,' Says Rahul Gandhi In Parbhani, Demands Accountability

Mumbai: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, claimed that Somnath Suryavanshi, who reportedly died in police custody after violence in Parbhani city, was “killed” because he was a Dalit and was defending the Constitution.

Gandhi visited Parbhani on Monday and met the family of Suryawanshi. He spent around 20-25 minutes interacting with them, learning about the incident in detail, and offering them comfort and support.

“I met the family and others who were beaten and injured in Parbhani. They showed me the post-mortem report, videos and photographs. There is no doubt that this is a custodial death,” said Gandhi.

Gandhi demanded strict action against those responsible. “This matter must be resolved immediately, and the culprits must be punished. I am completely dissatisfied with the investigation so far,” he said.

When asked about accountability for the Parbhani incident, he stated, “It is an issue of ideology, and since the chief minister has addressed the matter, he too bears responsibility.” Later, Gandhi also met the family of Vijay Wakode, who died during a protest in Parbhani following the violence.

Parbhani witnessed violence after a glass enclosed replica of the Constitution near Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue outside the railway station was vandalised on December 10.

Suryavanshi was among over 50 people arrested in connection with the unrest. On December 15, he died at a state-run hospital after complaining of chest pain and uneasiness while in judicial custody at the Parbhani District Central Prison.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a judicial inquiry into the violence. Speaking in the State Assembly. Fadnavis stated that Suryavanshi had informed a magistrate that he was not tortured, and CCTV footage showed no evidence of mistreatment.