New Delhi, Oct 17 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday visited the family of Hari Om Valmiki, the Dalit man lynched in Rae Bareli, expressing solidarity and criticizing the Uttar Pradesh government for allegedly intimidating the family and attempting to block his visit.
Accompanied by Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma, Gandhi spent nearly 30 minutes with the family in the Turab Ali ka Tola locality of Fatehpur. He assured them of Congress’ support, stating, “I met the deceased’s family and listened to them. The Congress Party and I will try our best to provide all possible help to the family. Wherever there will be atrocities against Dalits in the country, Congress will be there to provide support and fight for justice.”
Hari Om Valmiki, a resident of Fatehpur district, was beaten to death by a mob in Rae Bareli’s Unchahar area on October 2 over alleged theft. So far, 12 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai criticized the Yogi Adityanath government, accusing it of “oppression and injustice” and alleging that the Chief Minister acted only after the Congress raised the issue.
The visit came despite a video released by Valmiki’s family earlier on Friday, stating that they did not wish to meet Rahul Gandhi or any opposition leader, claiming they were satisfied with the government’s actions and urging political parties not to “cash in on the tragedy.”
Rahul Gandhi’s visit underscores Congress’ pledge to support Dalit communities, even as political sensitivities and family sentiments intersect amid ongoing investigations.