“Suryawanshi’s death is murder…”: Rahul Gandhi claims Parbhani Violence Victim was Killed “for being a Dalit”

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday met with the family of Somnath Suryawanshi, who allegedly died in judicial custody following violence in Parbhani, Maharashtra, earlier this month. Gandhi accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of being responsible for the incident, alleging that Suryawanshi, who fought for the protection of the Constitution, was murdered solely because he was from the Dalit community. The senior Congress leader labeled the incident a custodial death and called for strict punishment for those responsible.

“Somnath Suryawanshi died due to custodial assault. Those responsible for his death must face severe punishment. The Chief Minister provided false information in the Assembly regarding this case and is equally responsible,” said Rahul Gandhi. He further accused the RSS ideology of attempting to undermine the Constitution, clarifying that his visit was not politically motivated but aimed at seeking justice for Suryawanshi’s family. “The ideology is responsible, because the Chief Minister has made this statement, so the Chief Minister is responsible, those who have killed him are responsible, and action should be taken as soon as possible," added Gandhi.

The Congress leader further stated that he had met the families of other victims and reviewed the post-mortem report, along with videos and photographs. He strongly asserted that Suryawanshi’s death was a “100 percent custodial death,” suggesting it occurred while he was in police custody.

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole alleged that the government is attempting to suppress the Somnath Suryawanshi murder case. “The Chief Minister claimed in the Assembly that Suryawanshi died due to asthma, but the post-mortem report reveals that his death was caused by police assault. In both the Suryawanshi and Santosh Deshmukh cases, the Chief Minister provided false information to the House. Congress will move a privilege motion against him. The BJP government is committing atrocities against backward classes, tribals, and minorities. Congress will raise its voice against these injustices and ensure justice for the affected families,” Patole said.

After meeting Suryawanshi's family, Rahul Gandhi also visited the family of Ambedkarite activist Vijay Wakode to express his condolences. Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by Maharashtra Congress in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, state president Nana Patole, CWC member Balasaheb Thorat, MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, Dr. Nitin Raut, MLA Amit Deshmukh, Yashomati Thakur, Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakre, MP Praniti Shinde, Mumbai Congress president MP Varsha Gaikwad, MP Ravindra Chavan, MP Sanjay Jadhav, and others. Former minister Suresh Warpudkar, president of the Parbhani District Congress Committee, and city president Nadeem Inamdar were also present.

In response, Chief Minister Fadnavis accused Gandhi of visiting Parbhani for political motives. "We have ordered a judicial probe. The truth will come out. If the probe finds that Suryawanshi died because he was beaten up, there will be stern action against those who are guilty," Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis had earlier informed the state assembly that CCTV footage from the district prison did not show any evidence of violence against Suryawanshi. Gandhi, however, alleged that the chief minister had lied in the assembly to influence the police.

State BJP President Chandrashekar Bawankule also criticized Gandhi’s visit, calling it a “drama” and suggesting that the Congress leader should focus on how society can benefit through more constructive means.

Violence in Parbhani erupted on December 10 when a glass-enclosed replica of the Constitution near Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's statue at the city’s railway station was damaged. Suryawanshi, a resident of Shankar Nagar, was arrested in connection with the violence and died on December 15 after complaining of chest pain while in judicial custody.​