High Court Stays Proceedings Of Inquiry Officer In Somnath Suryawanshi Death Case

Somnath Suryavanshi died in police custody after the violence in Parbhani. This death case has once again raised serious questions about the state system. The hearing on this case was held today, Tuesday, in the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court. In this hearing, the court expressed doubts about the functioning of the inquiry officer and directly prohibited him from taking any further decision and submitting a report.

Somnath Suryavanshi died in police custody on December 16, 2024. The autopsy report and the coroner's investigation report clearly state that Suryavanshi died due to police beatings. This further adds to the seriousness of the case.

Prakash Ambedkar, in a strong argument in the court, raised serious objections to the functioning of the government-appointed inquiry officer. He noted that the inquiry officer had also suggested what to say to the accused while sending the notice, which contradicts the principles of fair investigation. "This investigation is not free and fair, so we had requested the court to stay the functioning of the concerned officer," Ambedkar said.

The court, taking cognizance of Prakash Ambedkar's argument, has stopped the investigating officer from taking any further decision and submitting the report. This has further highlighted the distrust in the investigation process in the case.

Two important issues will be discussed in the next hearing on May 8. The formation of an SIT (Special Investigation Team) and the exercise of the court's own powers under Section 196 of the Indian Penal Code. Ambedkar clarified that these issues will be discussed.

Decision to hand over investigation to CID

In this backdrop, the state government has handed over the investigation of the case to the CID. Since several reports have made serious allegations against the role of the police, it is being speculated that a case of murder may be registered against the accused.