Parbhani, Maharashtra- Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, visited Parbhani on Monday, alleging that a Dalit man, Somnath Vyankat Suryawanshi, was murdered in police custody following the desecration of a Dr. B.R. A statue of Ambedkar. Gandhi met with Suryawanshi’s family and accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of lying to the state legislature about the circumstances surrounding the death.

Suryawanshi, 35, was arrested on December 12 in connection with violence that erupted after the Ambedkar statue was desecrated on December 10. He was found dead in judicial custody on December 15.

Gandhi, after viewing the post-mortem report and videos of the incident, stated, “It’s 100 percent a murder. The police have beaten him... The police have murdered him in custody." He further accused the police of targeting Suryawanshi because he was a Dalit and was "trying to protect the Constitution."

Gandhi also pointed a finger at CM Fadnavis, claiming that the CM "has lied in the Assembly" to protect the police. He asserted that the death was a result of the "RSS ideology to finish off the Constitution" and held the ruling MahaYuti government responsible.

Gandhi, wearing a dark blue tee-shirt symbolizing the Dalit community, entered the Suryawanshi home barefoot and paid homage to a portrait of the deceased. He sat on the floor with the family and listened to their account of the events leading up to Suryawanshi's death. Gandhi expressed his condolences and promised to ensure justice for the deceased.

Maharashtra Congress President Nana F. Patole announced the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will move a breach of privilege motion against CM Fadnavis for allegedly misleading the House regarding Suryawanshi’s death. Patole highlighted discrepancies between the CM's statement and the autopsy report, which cites "shock following multiple injuries" as the cause of death.

Fadnavis dismissed Gandhi's remarks as "political" and reiterated that the government is conducting two investigations into the matter. He assured the public that justice would be served, with severe punishment for those responsible.

Suryawanshi's death has sparked widespread outrage, with the opposition demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.