Fri Mar 21 08:38:48 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Police Blamed for Custodial Death in Magisterial Inquiry
**Mumbai, March 21, 2025** – A magisterial inquiry has concluded that police were responsible for the death of Somnath Suryawanshi, 35, while in judicial custody in Parbhani district, Maharashtra, last December. The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) announced the findings on March 20th, after receiving a three-volume, 451-page report.
Suryawanshi died at a state-run hospital on December 15, 2024, days after his arrest in connection with violence following the desecration of a Constitution replica. While police initially claimed he died of illness, the inquiry determined he was assaulted at the Nava Mondha police station.
The MSHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, several senior police officials, and those named in the report, demanding explanations and details of any remedial actions or compensation offered. The Commission has also instructed the additional director general and Parbhani superintendent of police (CID) to report on the progress of their investigation into the death and subsequent crime registration. The next hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2025.
First Piper 