Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar- Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and All India Panther Sena have demanded a fast-track court trial, CBI investigation, suspension of police officers and harsh punishment for the accused in the brutal murder of Rohit Anil Pathare in Vaijapur. The incident occurred on October 31, and his subsequent death during medical treatment sparked massive public outrage, protests, and a political storm across the state.

On October 31, during Ganeshotsav, a clash erupted between two Ganesh mandals (Shan-e-Maratha and Hindu Hriday Samrat) over an old rivalry. According to the family, a group of about 26 people dragged Rohit from his home and took him to a field near Rotegaon. He was allegedly tied to a tree and attacked with swords, iron rods, axes and a screwdriver. His legs were crushed with stones. When he asked for water, the assailants allegedly urinated on his face. Critically injured, Rohit was shifted to a hospital in Shirdi, where he died on November 3 during treatment.

An FIR was registered at Vaijapur police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (including 103 for murder) and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against 26 persons (Crime No. 701/2026) based on a complaint by his wife Sheetal Pathare. The family accused local police of initially trying to protect the accused and delaying action. Rohit’s mother attempted self-immolation at the police station.

Under the supervision of SP Prakash Jadhav and Additional SP Aparajita Agnihotri, five teams were formed. So far, 16 accused have been arrested, including main accused Aman Satyapal Untwal (arrested from a locked abandoned house in Shahartakli village, Shevgaon taluka, Ahilyanagar). On November 9, six more, Avinash alias Aniket Popat Hond, Dnyaneshwar Sitaram Wadalkar, Pratik Kailash Salunke, Rohit Machhindra Aher, Sanket Adinath Aher and Tushar Adinath Aher, were arrested. A juvenile was also detained. Several accused remain absconding. Guardian Minister Sanjay Shirsat met the family, announced ₹5 lakh assistance and directed senior officers to supervise the probe.

A VBA delegation met Rohit’s parents and wife, offered condolences and assured full support after informing Adv. Prakash Ambedkar. They described the incident as a blot on humanity and an echo of casteism after Khairlanji. The delegation tried to meet investigating officer DySP Bhagwat Phunde but he did not meet them; they will soon meet the SP, Aurangabad Rural, and submit a memorandum. They also met Vaijapur Police Station Inspector Satyajit Taitwale and secured an assurance of police protection for the family, who said they were living in fear. The delegation included Aurangabad West District President Rupchand Gadekar, Yuva Aghadi District President Satish Gaikwad, Vaijapur Taluka President Sakharam Shingare, Yuva Taluka President Ankush Pathare, District General Secretary Anjan Salve, Pravin Hiwale, Sandeep Jadhav, S.P. Hiwrale, Babasaheb Dushing, Sunil Shirsat and others. VBA has demanded the trial be conducted in a fast-track court and the accused given harsh punishments.

All India Panther Sena National President Deepak Kedar also met the victim’s family. Citing the family’s allegation that BJP-linked office-bearers and workers were involved, he demanded a CBI probe into the planned conspiracy, fixing of responsibility, immediate suspension of the concerned police inspector and DySP, arrest of all accused (especially the absconding main accused) under MCOCA, thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of nearly 150 people from the same lane, and immediate police combing of the area. He warned that if the police and administration failed to take strict action immediately, a Maharashtra-wide agitation and bandh would be prepared. Kedar asked Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis when Dalits would get justice and security.

Both Bahujan organisations have stressed that this is not merely an attack on one family but a question of security and justice for the entire community.