Vinayak Mete had been a member of the state Legislative Council for five terms even after coming from a family with no political background.

"Incidents of atrocities on Dalits are increasing continuously in the state. Rahul Gandhi, who has commented on every subject of the country, has been silent," the BJP leader wrote in a tweet.

BBC Local News: London -- Preview followed by live coverage of Sunday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.