In a strong political statement, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the Maharashtra government and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of complicity in the custodial death of a Dalit man, Somnath Vyankat Suryawanshi, in Parbhani. Gandhi alleged that the 35-year-old was “murdered by police” and that Fadnavis “lied” in the Assembly regarding the incident.
Visiting Suryawanshi’s family, Gandhi reviewed the post-mortem report and videos related to the case. Emerging visibly somber, he declared, “It’s 100 per cent murder. The police have beaten him to death because he was a Dalit and stood to protect the Constitution. This is a direct result of the RSS ideology that seeks to undermine the Constitution.”
Suryawanshi was arrested following unrest over the desecration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue and died in custody on December 15, just three days later. While CM Fadnavis initially claimed in the legislature that the death was due to breathing problems, the autopsy report cited “shock following multiple injuries” as the cause.
Gandhi further accused Fadnavis of misleading the Assembly, stating, “The Chief Minister lied to send a message to the police. This government and its ideology are responsible for the tragic death of Suryawanshi.”
When asked whether his visit was politically motivated, Gandhi rejected the notion, emphasizing, “This is about justice, not politics. A man has been murdered. It’s a question of ideology, and those responsible must be punished.”
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole announced that the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) would move a breach of privilege motion against Fadnavis, asserting, “The CM misled the House. The initial claims of health issues contradict the autopsy report, which clearly points to multiple injuries.”
In response, CM Fadnavis dismissed Gandhi’s allegations as politically charged, reiterating that the state government had already initiated two independent inquiries into the incident. “Justice will prevail, and those guilty will face severe punishment,” he assured.
The controversy has sparked a political storm in Maharashtra, with the Opposition calling for accountability and justice for Suryawanshi’s death.