Hey there, folks! Buckle up for some hard-hitting news from Parbhani that’s sure to leave you shocked and outraged. A recent fact-finding team consisting of members from PUCL Maharashtra and other rights activists has uncovered some disturbing truths about police brutality in the city.
It all started with the desecration of a Constitution replica on December 10, 2024, which sparked a chain of events leading to the custodial death of 35-year-old Somnath Suryavanshi and widespread human rights violations against the Dalit community. The police allegedly went on a rampage, conducting illegal combing operations, brutalizing innocent men, women, and children, and hurling caste-based abuses at Dalit residents.
Despite numerous complaints, no FIR has been filed against the responsible police officials, leaving the city in a state of unease. In fact, things got so tense that affected individuals and activists had to kick off a ‘Long March from Parbhani to Mumbai’ on January 17, 2025, demanding justice for the victims.
The situation in Parbhani took a turn for the worse after a peace committee meeting on December 6, 2024, where BJP leaders called for the demolition of a mosque, sparking tensions in the community. Things escalated when a Constitution replica was desecrated on December 10, but instead of investigating the matter properly, the police turned a blind eye, claiming the perpetrator was mentally unstable.
This blatant disregard for justice incited protests, which unfortunately turned violent, leading to a targeted crackdown on Dalit neighborhoods by the police. The PUCL report reveals harrowing details of police brutality, including the targeting of individuals based on appearance, the detention and assault of women and children, and the denial of medical treatment to injured detainees.
To add insult to injury, the police allegedly covered up Suryavanshi’s custodial death by refusing to provide medical care and failing to register FIRs against the officers responsible for the violence. The PUCL report also highlights administrative and police failures that worsened the crisis, such as negligence in handling tensions and mishandling of the Bandh violence.
In light of these disturbing revelations, PUCL has put forth a set of recommendations to ensure justice for the victims, including financial compensation for survivors, government jobs for Suryavanshi’s family, and the filing of FIRs against the responsible police officers. They have also called for the formation of a High Court-monitored SIT to investigate the incidents thoroughly.
In a bid to pressure the Maharashtra government to take action, activists and victims’ families have embarked on a ‘Long March from Parbhani to Mumbai,’ urging citizens to stand in solidarity with the Dalit community and demand accountability for police brutality and caste-based atrocities. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Thanks For Reading Report of Punepress.com