Rahul Gandhi Meets Family of Dalit Man Lynched in Raebareli, Calls for Justice and Accountability

The Congress leader’s visit to the victim’s family comes amid rising outrage over mob violence and allegations of police negligence in the case.

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Congress Leader Visits Raebareli to Meet Victim’s Family

RAEBARELI — Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi met the family of Hariom Valmiki, the 40-year-old Dalit man who was lynched in Raebareli earlier this month after being mistaken for a thief. The visit took place on Friday, nearly two weeks after the brutal attack that has sparked nationwide outrage over rising incidents of mob violence in Uttar Pradesh.

According to the victim’s uncle, Chaudhary Bhakt Das, Gandhi spent time interacting with the grieving family at their residence in Fatehpur district, assuring them of full support and justice. The Congress leader reached Chakeri Airport in Kanpur and travelled roughly 80 km by road to meet the family under heavy security.

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The Lynching Incident

Hariom Valmiki was beaten to death by a group of villagers during a night vigil around 1 a.m. on October 2. Locals reportedly suspected him of being part of a gang allegedly using drones to identify houses for burglaries — a rumour that police later said had no factual basis.

The shocking incident led to widespread condemnation across political lines. Opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, accused the BJP-led state government of failing to safeguard Dalit lives and prevent mob vigilantism.

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Police Action and Administrative Response

Following the attack, police filed a case and have so far arrested 14 people in connection with the killing. The main accused was apprehended after a brief encounter on October 10.

In a move seen as an attempt to ease tensions ahead of Gandhi’s visit, the Uttar Pradesh government offered a contractual job to Valmiki’s sister, Kusum, as a staff nurse at the Fatehpur Medical College. However, opposition leaders described the gesture as “too little, too late,” calling instead for structural reforms and accountability for law enforcement lapses.

Five police officials, including two sub-inspectors, have been suspended for negligence in handling the case.

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Political and Social Ramifications

Rahul Gandhi’s visit marks the Congress party’s renewed attempt to spotlight issues of caste violence and police inaction in Uttar Pradesh. The incident has reignited debate on the increasing number of mob lynchings across India and the perceived impunity for perpetrators.

Human rights activists have urged both the state and central governments to strengthen preventive mechanisms against mob justice and improve rapid response protocols for vulnerable communities.