Rahul Gandhi Cited the Latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Figures, which Show that UP Leads the Country in Cases of Dalit Persecution

Advertisment

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited the family members of Hari Om Valmiki, the Dalit man who was lynched in Rae Bareli. While addressing the Press, Gandhi further accused the Uttar Pradesh administration of intimidating the family and trying to block his visit.

What Rahul Gandhi Claimed?

“This morning, the government threatened the family against meeting me... It's not important whether the victims' family meets me or not, but what is important is that these people are not criminals. They have committed no mistake,” Gandhi told ANI.

“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 and we will provide all possible help and fight for justice,” he added.

Advertisment

The Congress leader also cited the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) figures, which show that Uttar Pradesh leads the country in cases of Dalit persecution.

Rahul Gandhi arrived in Fatehpur along with Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma and spent nearly 30 minutes with the family in the Turab Ali ka Tola locality.

The Deadly Incident

Hari Om Valmiki, who is a Dalit man and native of the Fatehpur district, was beaten to death by a mob in the Unchahar area of Rae Bareli on October 2 over the suspicion of theft. 

Advertisment

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai slammed the Yogi government over the murder of a Dalit man in Raebareli, alleging that they are "engaged in oppression and injustice."

Interestingly, the family of Hari Om Valmiki released a video statement announcing that they do not wish to meet Rahul Gandhi or any other opposition leader during his planned visit on Friday.

The family said they were "satisfied with the action taken by the Yogi Adityanath government" and urged political leaders not to “cash in on the tragedy.”

Advertisment

UP Government under Scanner

Targeting the UP government over the incident, the state Congress president Ajay Rai said: “Every district in UP faces daily atrocities against common people. All sections – women, youth, farmers, poor, marginalised – are suffering under this government. Police and administration are either absent or aiding anti-social elements. Rahul ji and Congress stand with the victims of injustice and their families. Rahul ji is visiting Hariom’s family to show solidarity”.

“Like the Raebareli case, similar incidents are occurring across U.P. The administration even stopped me and a congressional delegation from visiting Hariom’s family. The party is considering launching a mass movement on the State’s deteriorating law and order situation,” added Rai.

Following the incident, police registered a case, and have so far arrested 14 people, including the main accused, who was held after an encounter on October 10. Five policemen, including two sub-inspectors, were also suspended for alleged lapses in handling the case.

Advertisment