A 35-year-old youth arrested by the Parbhani police involved in the violence on December 10 died in judicial custody in the district jail on Sunday.
Among the 50 people arrested by the Parbhani police after violence erupted for vandalizing a replica of the Indian Constitution outside the Parbhani railway station, the police also arrested laborer Somnath Suryavanshi, who was engaged in the pursuit of law.
On December 10, Sopan Pawar allegedly vandalized a replica of the Constitution, leading to protests and stone pelting the following day. Parbhani police registered an FIR and arrested 50 people including Suryavanshi.
Suryavanshi, a nomadic Vader community, was arrested on December 12 and sent to judicial custody on December 14. Police said he was taken to a local hospital after complaining of chest pain.
His death has sparked outrage, with activists and family members expressing grave concern, citing Suryavanshi seeking medical attention and demanding a thorough investigation.
Prakash Ambedkar of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (BVA) tweeted, “The custodial death of Somnath Suryavanshi – a Bhim soldier from the Vader community – in Parbhani is, to say the least, painful and unbearable. His death in judicial custody despite his bail plea being granted is even worse. What is unbearable!”
The tweet added, “As he died in judicial custody, our lawyers will request the court to conduct the post-mortem (CT Scan, MRI, Forensic and Pathological) tests at a government hospital with a forensic department and post-mortem. Filmed and conducted by both forensic and pathology departments.” We will fight for justice!”
Local activists have alleged that the police manhandled a woman called Wachala Manavate working in a nearby hospital. The incident was caught on CCTV, they said, though the police denied the claim.
It is also alleged that the police conducted a combing operation in Dalit settlements after the violence. A senior officer said that the allegations will be investigated as per the law and action will be taken if found guilty.
Why should you buy our membership?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be confused and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package