Wed Jan 22 16:10:23 UTC 2025: ## Long March to Mumbai Demands Justice for Man Who Died in Police Custody
**Mumbai, January 22, 2025** – Hundreds are participating in a long march from Parbhani to Mumbai, demanding justice for Somnath Suryawanshi, an aspiring lawyer who died in police custody following protests over the alleged desecration of a replica of the Indian Constitution in Parbhani, Maharashtra.
The march, which began on January 17th, reached Jalna district on Wednesday and is expected to conclude in Mumbai on February 18th. Organizers plan to meet with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to present their demands.
Suryawanshi’s death followed violence that erupted in Parbhani on December 11th after the alleged desecration on December 10th. Protesters allege he was assaulted while in custody. The marchers are calling for fast-track trials for police officials implicated in his death, polygraph tests for accused Datta Sopan Pawar, and the withdrawal of false cases against other protesters.
Additional demands include a thorough investigation into the organizers of the Sakal Hindu Samaj Morcha, a memorial for Suryawanshi, and compensation and government jobs for the families of Suryawanshi and Vijay Wakode, another Ambedkarite leader who died after the incident. The march, led by Suryawanshi’s brother and Wakode’s son, covers approximately 20 kilometers daily. Organizers report that government officials have offered only verbal assurances thus far. The march continues to garner support, with thousands joining daily.
First Piper 