THE custodial death of Somnath Suryawanshi, a dalit youth and law student, following police brutality in Parbhani district of Marathwada, has sparked outrage across Maharashtra. The Communist Party of India (Marxist), in a statement issued on December 16, has strongly condemned the incident, calling for the immediate arrest of police personnel involved in custodial murder and the brutal repression of dalit protesters.

According to reports, the unrest began on December 15, when a memorial dedicated to the Constitution of India was found vandalised in Parbhani city. A protest march by dalits soon followed, which was met with severe police action. The CPI(M) said that police not only resorted to violent repression of protesters but also raided dalit localities, mercilessly assaulting hundreds of residents, including women and children.

Somnath Suryawanshi was detained during a bandh and subsequently died in police custody, sparking widespread anger and condemnation.

CPI(M) demanded that a murder case be registered against the police officers responsible for Suryawanshi's death. The Party also demanded that the victim's family be paid a compensation of Rs 50 lakh and one family member be provided a permanent government job.

The CPI(M) further demanded strict legal action against police personnel for conducting violent ‘combing operations’ in dalit neighbourhoods and urged the immediate quashing of FIRs filed against protesters.

The Party also held the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police accountable, alleging their complicity in the defilement of the Constitution memorial and the subsequent violence against dalits. The Party demanded strictest legal action against them. “These incidents reflect how communal and casteist elements within the state administration have been emboldened under the BJP-led state government,” the statement read. The CPI(M) labelled the administration as “Neo-Peshwa” and accused it of fostering a casteist agenda.

The CPI(M) urged people to rise against such injustices and safeguard the principles of the Constitution. Promising unwavering support to dalits and marginalised communities, the Party vowed to fight for justice and social harmony in Maharashtra.