Parbhani Bandh Violence: Youth Dies in Judicial Custody; Allegations of Police Brutality Emerge

Mumbai: Somnath Suryawanshi, a young law student, who was arrested during the violence that broke out during the Parbhani bandh, died while in judicial custody. Following his death, allegations of police brutality have emerged, with claims that his death was caused by multiple injuries inflicted while in custody.

“The post-mortem report of Somnath Suryawanshi attributed his death to multiple injuries inflicted. Somnath, a Bhim Sainik and VBA activist from the Wadar community, was pursuing law at a college in Parbhani. We will fight for justice for him!” said Political leader Prakash Ambedkar. The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Maharashtra, with a call for a state-wide bandh receiving significant support in various regions.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, criticized the Mahayuti government for its neglect of public welfare. Speaking at a joint Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) meeting in Nagpur's Ravi Bhavan, Danve accused the government, saying, “This government is anti-farmer, complicit in atrocities against Dalits, and responsible for a rise in violent incidents.” Danve condemned the government further in light of the Parbhani incident, adding, “While such tragedies occur, the Chief Minister is busy with processions.”

Somnath Suryavanshi, a laborer pursuing law, was among 50 individuals arrested by Parbhani police following violence linked to the alleged vandalism of a replica of the Indian Constitution outside Parbhani railway station.

The incident began on December 10 when one Sopan Pawar allegedly damaged the Constitution replica, triggering protests and stone pelting the next day. The police registered multiple FIRs and detained 50 people, including Suryavanshi, who was arrested on December 12 and placed in judicial custody on December 14.

Belonging to the Wadar community, a nomadic tribe, Suryavanshi reportedly complained of chest pain and was moved to a local hospital, where he later passed away. His death has sparked widespread outrage, with activists and family members demanding a thorough investigation. They allege that Suryavanshi had sought medical help and question the circumstances surrounding his demise.​