Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar- Following sustained efforts by Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, the Social Justice Commissionerate has sanctioned ₹10 lakh for the heirs of Rohit Anil Pathare, who was murdered in Vaijapur. The family had approached the Commissioner of Social Welfare seeking a government job, ex-gratia grant, police protection and trial in a special fast-track court. Under the scheme providing financial assistance to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families who are victims of atrocities, the amount has been made available, and immediate action has been directed.

According to a letter issued by the Commissionerate of the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, ₹10 lakh has been transferred to the Assistant Commissioner, Social Welfare, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, through the SNA-SPARSH system under Commissionerate Order No. 191 dated 6 November. Instructions have been issued to take prompt action. After the brutal murder of Rohit Anil Pathare in Vaijapur, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi state president Rajendra Patode had submitted a representation seeking justice for the family under the Atrocities Act. The representation demanded a government job, ex-gratia assistance, police protection and prosecution in a special fast-track court.

Taking note of these demands, the Commissionerate has also directed the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District Collector to place the case before the District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee and take appropriate action as per rules. The petitioners are to be informed of the steps taken.

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi has maintained a firm stand not only on financial assistance but also on ensuring stringent punishment for the accused. It has demanded that the case be tried in a special fast-track court, that the charges in the charge sheet be examined rigorously, that all statements and evidence be presented effectively, and that a competent and impartial special public prosecutor be appointed to represent the victim’s family.

With the ₹10 lakh now available, the process of providing financial assistance to the family is expected to move forward. However, true justice for Rohit Pathare will require fulfilment of the remaining demands, including harsh punishment for the accused and a government job for the family. State president Rajendra Patode has affirmed that Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi’s struggle will continue until the family receives full justice.

Rohit Anil Pathare was a 24-year-old resident of Vaijapur in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. On 31 October, amid a long-standing rivalry between two Ganesh mandals that flared during the Ganeshotsav immersion, a group of about 26 people allegedly abducted him from his home, took him to an agricultural field near Rotegaon, tied him to a tree and subjected him to a brutal assault with swords, iron rods, axes and a screwdriver. His legs were crushed with stones. Critically injured, he was shifted to a hospital in Shirdi, where he died on 3 November. His wife Sheetal Pathare filed the complaint, leading to an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case has seen multiple arrests and widespread demands for a fast-track trial and strict action.