Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday met the family of Somnath Suryavanshi, who died in custody in Maharashtra’s Parbhani.
Somnath, who belonged to the Dalit community, was arrested following the violence earlier this month.
The opposition in the Lok Sabha has alleged that his death was the result of police excesses in custody and termed it an attack on the Dalit community.
Background of the incident: Insult and violence against the statue of the Constitution.
This incident took place near the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar located near the railway station of Parbhani.
- December 10: Violence broke out in the city after the Constitution statue was damaged.
- Detained: Somnath Suryavanshi, a resident of Shankar Nagar in Parbhani, was among over 50 people arrested in connection with the violence.
- Death after deteriorating health: Suryavanshi complained of chest pain in judicial custody. He was taken to the government hospital, where he died on 15 December.
Chief Minister ordered judicial inquiry
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a judicial inquiry into this matter.
- In the Assembly, he said that Suryavanshi had told the magistrate that she was not harassed.
- No evidence of police brutality was found even in the CCTV footage.
- State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule termed Rahul Gandhi’s visit as “drama”.
BSP chief Mayawati’s target
Bahujan Samaj Party President Mayawati targeted Rahul Gandhi’s visit.
- On social media platform X he said:
“The insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar and the inferiority complex towards his followers is the result of unfortunate incidents like Parbhani taking place. Both Congress and BJP are not true well-wishers of Dalits.”
Political struggle and concern of Dalit community
The death of Somnath Suryavanshi has fueled political debate.
- Congress’s charge: Attack on the Constitution and Dalits.
- BJP’s defence: There is no fault in the police action and administration.
- Reaction of Dalit community: This incident is raising serious concerns regarding Dalit rights and protection of the Constitution.
