Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday met the family of Hariom Valmiki, a Dalit man who was lynched by villagers in Raebareli, and strongly criticised the Uttar Pradesh government, alleging that atrocities against Dalits have reached their peak under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s rule.
Arriving at Chakeri airport, Gandhi reportedly travelled around 80 kilometres by road to Fatehpur to visit the victim’s family. He spent about 25 minutes with them, speaking to Hariom’s father Gangadeen, brother Shivam, and sister Kusum, and is said to have offered his condolences and assurance of support.
After the visit, Gandhi told reporters that incidents of Dalit persecution were at an unprecedented level in the state and cited data from the latest NCRB report, where Uttar Pradesh ranks number one in cases of Dalit oppression.
He also claimed that the family had been warned by authorities not to meet him earlier in the day, suggesting attempts by the government to suppress their voices. Gandhi emphasised that the issue was not about his meeting with the family but about recognising that the victims were innocent and undeserving of the treatment they received.
He further stated that both he and the Congress Party would continue to extend all possible assistance to the family and would remain committed to standing up against injustices faced by Dalits across the country, TNIE reported.
Congress shared details of the meeting in a post on X in Hindi, saying, "Leader of the Opposition Shri@RahulGandhi met with the family of Shri Hariom Valmiki in Fatehpur and shared their grief. A few days ago, Hariom, a Dalit, was brutally beaten to death. His family is in immense pain and is waiting for justice".
"What happened to Hariom Valmiki is a grave offence against the Constitution of this country. Such a shallow ideology is a blot on society. We will continue to fight against this injustice and oppression. This country will be governed by Baba Saheb's Constitution, not by 'Manuvaad'," the party said.
In a post on X in Hindi, the Uttar Pradesh Congress said, "Rahul Gandhi -- the name of hope and support ('ummeed aur bharose kaa naam -- Rahul Gandhi')."
Shivam, Hariom’s brother, released a video just before the Congress leader's arrival saying, “Two cabinet ministers have visited my home. I have been given financial support and a government job. I am satisfied with the government. My brother’s killers have been sent to jail. I do not want Rahul Gandhi or any other leader to come to my home for political purposes. I am satisfied with the government.”
The Congress has alleged that a video circulating in connection with the Raebareli lynching case was part of a BJP ploy to influence public perception and exert pressure around the incident. Security was notably tight during Rahul Gandhi’s visit, with authorities reportedly barricading the lane leading to the Valmiki family’s home.
Hariom Valmiki, aged 40, was allegedly beaten to death by villagers who mistook him for a thief during a late-night vigil on October 2. The assault occurred around 1 a.m., amid rumours that a gang was using drones to scout houses for potential robberies.
The killing triggered widespread anger and condemnation, with opposition parties such as the Congress and the Samajwadi Party accusing the BJP government of neglecting the safety of Dalits and failing to rein in mob violence.
Following the incident, police filed a case and have so far arrested 14 individuals, including the main accused, who was captured after an encounter on October 10. In addition, five police officers including two sub-inspectors were suspended for alleged negligence in handling the case.