Rahul Gandhi Meets Grieving Family of Lynched Dalit Youth in Uttar Pradesh, Slams State Government for Oppression
The meeting, which lasted approximately 25 minutes, took place at the family's residence in nearby Fatehpur district, where Gandhi consoled the bereaved relatives and vowed to fight for justice.
FATEHPUR- In a poignant display of solidarity amid rising tensions over caste-based violence, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi met the family of Hariom Valmiki, a 25-year-old Dalit youth who was brutally lynched by villagers in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli district on October 2.
The meeting, which lasted approximately 25 minutes, took place at the family’s residence in nearby Fatehpur district, where Gandhi consoled the bereaved relatives and vowed to fight for justice. Hariom Valmiki, a resident of Uncha Khera village in Raebareli, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob on suspicion of theft after he entered a neighboring village to relieve himself.
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The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, highlighted ongoing concerns over mob lynchings and caste atrocities in the state. Gandhi, representing the nearby Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency, arrived amid tight security and heavy police deployment, underscoring the political sensitivity of the visit.
During the interaction, Gandhi spoke with Hariom’s father, Gangadeen Valmiki, and his brother, Shivam Valmiki, assuring them of the Congress party’s full support. “Dalit oppression is at its peak in Uttar Pradesh under the current government,” Gandhi stated after the meeting, accusing the Yogi Adityanath administration of intimidating victims’ families to suppress demands for accountability. “Justice cannot be held hostage to political agendas. This brutality must end,” he added, emphasizing that such incidents reflect a systemic failure to protect marginalized communities.
The family, visibly emotional, expressed gratitude for Gandhi’s visit. Shivam Valmiki described the Congress leader as a “messiah” for Dalits and the underprivileged, stating, “Rahul Gandhi ji came to meet us today. He is a messiah for us, and we want him to deliver justice.”
Gangadeen echoed the sentiment, noting that the family’s faith in Gandhi stemmed from his consistent advocacy for the oppressed. The encounter was captured in videos circulating on social media, showing Gandhi seated with the family, listening intently to their grievances.
The visit was not without controversy. Earlier reports suggested that the Valmiki family had initially refused to meet Gandhi, citing satisfaction with the state government’s response, which included financial aid and a job offer to a family member.
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However, the family’s post-meeting statements directly contradicted this narrative, with Shivam affirming their delight at the interaction and dismissing any pressure from authorities.
This is not the first time Gandhi has intervened in cases of caste violence in Uttar Pradesh. His visit comes weeks after similar protests over Dalit atrocities, intensifying the Congress’s campaign against the BJP ahead of upcoming elections.
As investigations into Hariom’s death continue, with several arrests made but demands for stricter action growing, Gandhi’s pledge signals a broader push for social justice reforms.
The Uttar Pradesh police have registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, but activists argue that enforcement remains lax. As the nation watches, this tragic episode underscores the persistent fault lines of caste in India’s heartland.
