22 March 2025
The shocking death of Abhishek Swarnkar, a notable scientist from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Mohali, Punjab, has stirred significant political waves. This unfortunate incident, born out of a seemingly trivial parking dispute, has caught the attention of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. Lawmakers in Jharkhand showed strong emotions, primarily anger and concern, over how the entire episode was managed.
Abhishek Swarnkar: A Visionary Scientist
Born in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, Abhishek Swarnkar was not just another academic. His contributions to science, especially in the fields of silver nanoparticles and solar energy, were internationally recognized. Having published over 100 papers, his work inspired many in the scientific community. Tragically, Swarnkar's recent return from Switzerland, motivated by health challenges including a kidney condition requiring dialysis, set the stage for his heartbreaking encounter in Mohali.
The Fatal Dispute and Political Reverberations
It was an ordinary day on March 11, 2023, in Mohali's Sector 66, until it wasn't. The everyday parking dispute between Abhishek and his neighbor Monty spiraled horrifically. What began as a heated argument soon turned violent. Witness accounts, as well as CCTV footage, painted a grim picture: Monty, an IT professional, allegedly struck Abhishek, aware of his precarious health, leading to injuries from which he could not recover.
In the Jharkhand Assembly, legislators vented their disappointment at how legal avenues were initially pursued. The state's lawmakers underscored the ailment of Abhishek's family in their quest for justice, pointing fingers at the lack of urgency in proceedings. There were vehement calls for corrective measures to address legal gaps and ensure quick action in such scenarios. Monty has since faced arrest, accused under serious charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, a section under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The Jharkhand government, stepping in to extend support, has promised legal aid and compensation to Abhishek's grieving family. This move comes amid promises of fostering relationships with institutions like IISER Mohali to better advocate for their community members in times of crisis.
The aftermath of Abhishek's death goes beyond a mere courtroom battle. It beckons a larger discussion about public safety standards and accountability norms in India. Friends and colleagues from IISER Mohali remember Abhishek not just for his academic prowess but as a compassionate individual whose loss is felt deeply. The collision between personal liberty, communal respect, and the importance of active legal systems ensures this case's remembrance long after it ceases to make headlines.
