Accused in Sensational Parbhani Vandalism Case Found Dead
In a shocking turn of events, Datta Sopan Pawar, the prime accused in the high-profile vandalism of a replica of the Indian Constitution in Parbhani, was discovered dead at his residence on Monday. This grim discovery came merely four days after he was released on bail, following nearly 13 months in judicial custody.
Pawar had recently returned to his native village, Mirzapur, located in the Parbhani taluka, after securing his release. The Parbhani Rural Police have initiated a probe to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. The case, which had already ignited significant social and political unrest in the region, has now taken a tragic and unexpected turn.
The Vandalism Incident That Triggered Unrest
The chain of events began on December 10, 2024, when a replica of the Constitution installed near the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar outside the Parbhani district collector’s office was deliberately damaged. Pawar was reportedly apprehended at the spot by vigilant bystanders and subsequently handed over to the police.
His arrest acted as a catalyst for widespread protests across Parbhani. The following day, the city observed a complete shutdown, with several individuals being detained during the demonstrations. The situation, however, escalated to a grave level following the death of Somnath Suryavanshi, a law student who was arrested during these protests.
Suryavanshi's family alleged that he was a victim of custodial assault, a claim that fueled nationwide outrage. The incident drew sharp criticism of the local police administration from various quarters, leading to visits by several prominent political leaders to Parbhani. The city remained under a cloud of tension for many days as a result.
Fallout and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the allegations of police excesses during the violence, the Maharashtra government took disciplinary action. Inspector Ashok Ghorband was suspended from duty. The case had thus already spotlighted serious questions about law enforcement procedures before the latest development involving Pawar's death.
Now, the focus shifts to the investigation into Pawar's demise. Authorities are working to piece together the events of the four days between his release from jail and his death. This new incident is likely to reignite discussions around the intense pressures and legal battles associated with the controversial case.
The vandalism of the Constitution replica, a symbol of the nation's democratic values, especially near an Ambedkar statue, had struck a deep chord, making it a highly sensitive issue. Pawar's death adds another complex layer to an already volatile narrative, leaving the community and authorities searching for answers.
