The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has initiated proceedings into the custodial death of Somnath Suryawanshi, a 35-year-old law student, who died on December 15, 2024, while in custody at Parbhani District Prison. Somnath was detained after violence broke out in Parbhani district on December 11, following the desecration of a Constitution replica on December 10, 2024. He was one of 50 people arrested by Parbhani police between December 11 and December 12.
The commission has issued notices to top state officials, including the Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department), and senior police officials, directing them to submit detailed reports on the matter, including any remedial measures and compensation considerations.
Multiple complaints regarding Suryawanshi’s death were filed by human rights organizations and political representatives, leading the commission to club all cases together to ensure a uniform decision.
A magisterial inquiry report, conducted by Judicial Magistrate First Class C. U. Telgaonkar, was submitted to the MSHRC. The commission noted that the report, running into 451 pages across three volumes, confirmed that Suryawanshi was assaulted at Nava Mondha Police Station, Parbhani, which allegedly resulted in his custodial death. The magistrate’s report also named two police officials responsible for the incident.
According to several news reports, after Suryawanshi was allegedly assaulted in custody, he complained of chest discomfort. He was hospitalized but was declared dead upon arrival.
Considering the gravity of the findings, the MSHRC has directed the Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra; Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department); Additional Director General of Police, CID (Crimes), Pune; and Deputy Superintendent of Police, CID, Parbhani to submit reports on the remedial steps taken and any compensation quantified for the deceased’s family.
Further, since the custodial death inquiry has already been transferred to the State CID, Parbhani, the CID must update the commission on the investigation’s progress and clarify if any criminal charges have been initiated against the implicated police officials.
