Rahul Gandhi Meets Family of Dalit Lynching Victim, Accuses UP Govt of Intimidation
Congress leader emphasizes justice for Hariom Valmiki and condemns alleged harassment of the bereaved family by Uttar Pradesh administration
New Delhi, Oct 17 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday visited the family of Hariom Valmiki, a Dalit man lynched earlier this month in Raebareli over alleged theft. During the 25 minute meeting in Fatehpur, Gandhi spoke with Hariom’s father Gangadeen, brother Shivam, and sister Kusum, offering condolences and support.
Gandhi accused the Uttar Pradesh government of intimidating the family to prevent their meeting with him. “The family has been locked inside their home and is being intimidated. They were even forced to record a video,” he said, calling the state administration’s actions part of systemic oppression against Dalits under the Yogi Adityanath government.
Emphasizing that the focus should remain on justice rather than political optics, Gandhi stated, “Whether or not they meet me is irrelevant. What truly matters is that those responsible for this brutal crime are held accountable and face strict action.”
Earlier, Hariom’s brother Shivam appeared in a video alongside family members, requesting that political leaders not politicize the incident and expressing satisfaction with the government’s response.
Hariom Valmiki was beaten to death on October 2 in Raebareli. Disturbing footage that surfaced two days later shows the victim mentioning Rahul Gandhi’s name during the assault, with a mob member referencing Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
During the meeting, emotions ran high. Gandhi consoled the grieving family, embracing Hariom’s mother and sister and holding the father’s hand.
Gandhi also urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure justice and uphold the dignity of the bereaved family. “I appeal to the Chief Minister to deliver justice, respect this grieving family, and take strict action against the perpetrators rather than shielding them,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Congress party’s commitment to marginalized communities, saying, “Wherever there is an atrocity against Dalits in the country, the Congress party will stand and fight for justice.”
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has offered a contractual job to Hariom’s sister Kusum Valmiki as a staff nurse at Fatehpur Medical College. Kusum expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’ve received my appointment letter, and I am very happy.”
Sharing his reflections after the visit, Gandhi asked, “The brutal murder of Hariom Valmiki has shaken the conscience of the entire nation. In the eyes of his grieving family, one painful question remains Is being a Dalit in this country still a deadly crime?”
The incident has sparked renewed discussions on caste-based violence and law enforcement failures in safeguarding marginalized communities, with Gandhi’s visit highlighting the urgent need for justice and social equity in India.
