Daijiworld Media Network - Fatehpur (UP)
Fatehpur (UP), Oct 17: Amid heavy security and political tension, leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday visited the family of Hariom Valmiki, a Dalit man who was lynched in Rae Bareli over alleged theft, and assured them of unwavering support in their fight for justice.
Spending nearly half an hour with the grieving family, Gandhi expressed serious concern over their treatment by authorities. “The crime wasn’t committed by this family—it was committed against them. Yet they’re being treated like the accused,” he told reporters after the meeting. “They’ve been locked inside their home, threatened, and are simply asking for justice.”
Gandhi alleged that the family is living under intimidation. He noted that one of the young daughters, who requires urgent surgery, has been unable to proceed with treatment due to the administration’s clampdown. “They’re being confined instead of being supported,” he said.
The Congress leader called on the Uttar Pradesh government to act swiftly and justly. “Dalits across the country are facing growing atrocities—murders, rapes, brutal injustice. I ask the Chief Minister to stop shielding the culprits and treat this family with the dignity and justice they deserve,” he urged.
When asked about a video circulating earlier in the day suggesting the family was reluctant to meet him, Gandhi brushed it aside. “You’ve seen it—they spoke with me for half an hour. The family told me they were threatened by officials not to meet me. But let’s not get distracted—the issue here is that an innocent man was killed, and the guilty must be punished.”
He reaffirmed the Congress party’s commitment to standing by oppressed Dalit families across India. “Wherever Dalits are being targeted, Congress will be there to raise its voice and demand justice,” he declared.
Gandhi’s visit sparked political friction in Fatehpur. Along the convoy route, posters appeared with messages like “No politics, please. We’re satisfied with the government’s action”—reportedly placed by local groups. Congress workers tore many of them down, claiming the family had been coerced into making such statements under administrative pressure.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Rahul Gandhi met with the Valmiki family under close police watch, listened to their grievances, and assured them of the Congress party’s full support in their quest for justice.