Parbhani police report contradicts judicial probe on death

A law student named Somnath Suryavanshi died while in police custody in Parbhani in December 2024. A recent judicial probe concluded that he was a victim of physical abuse. However, a police officer stated that tests showed Suryavanshi's heart had three blockages, which might have caused his death. The final post-mortem report has not yet been submitted to the relevant authorities. This has raised concerns among the victim's family and prompted criticism of the state government for its handling of the case. They claim the government provided misleading information regarding Suryavanshi's death. Suryavanshi's younger brother, Premnath, is urging authorities to file a murder case against those involved. He expressed frustration that no formal charge has been laid against the police officers involved in his brother's alleged abuse. The interim post-mortem report suggested that Suryavanshi died from "shock following multiple injuries." He had been arrested during violence in Parbhani and was in prison when he complained of chest pain shortly before his death. Maharashtra's record on custodial deaths is concerning, with a high number recorded between 2018 and 2023. The case has sparked political controversy, leading to demands for accountability from the opposition parties, who criticize the state’s lack of action. Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadanavis, previously claimed that Suryavanshi had underlying health issues and that police did not mistreat him. However, the latest findings suggest otherwise. The state government has stated it will review the human rights commission’s inquiry into the matter.