Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday claimed that Dalit activist Somnath Suryawanshi was killed while protecting the Constitution in Maharashtra’s Parbhani. He alleged the death was a custodial killing following the desecration of a Constitution replica in the city.
Gandhi, accompanied by state Congress President Nana Patole and other leaders, visited Parbhani and met the victim’s family. Violence erupted in Parbhani on December 10 after the alleged vandalism of a Constitution replica.
सोमनाथ सूर्यवंशी यांची हत्या ही सरकार पुरस्कृत आहे.
ते दलित होते आणि संविधानाचे रक्षण करत होते.
मनुस्मृती मानणाऱ्या लोकांनी त्यांचा जीव घेतला आहे. pic.twitter.com/2sfNX1OOmb
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 23, 2024
Speaking to reporters, Gandhi accused the RSS of promoting an ideology that undermines the Constitution. He said this ideology was responsible for the death. “This young man was killed because he was a Dalit and was protecting the Constitution,” he stated.
Gandhi also criticized the Maharashtra Chief Minister for allegedly lying in the Assembly to shield the police. “This is 100 percent a custodial death. The Chief Minister is responsible, and those involved must face immediate action,” he added.
Family Demands Death Penalty for Accused Officers
The family of Somnath Suryawanshi demanded strict punishment for the accused police officers. Premnath Suryawanshi, the victim’s brother, said the police informed them of his death on December 15, claiming it was due to a heart attack. “We want the accused officers to be hanged,” he stated.
Special Inspector General of Nanded, Shahaji Umap, reported 50 arrests and eight cases filed in connection with the violence. He added that ten police personnel sustained injuries during the unrest.
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