“They were forced to speak”: Rahul Gandhi meets Dalit victim’s family after clip goes viral
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited the family of Hari Om Valmiki on Friday, hours after a video surfaced showing the family did not want to meet him. Valmiki, a Dalit man, was lynched in Rae Bareli on October 2 over allegations of theft. Gandhi accused the Uttar Pradesh government of intimidating the family and trying to block his visit.
Gandhi arrived in Fatehpur with Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma and spent around 30 minutes with the family in the Turab Ali ka Tola locality. Speaking to ANI, he said the government had threatened the family earlier in the day. “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,” he said.
Gandhi added, “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. We will provide all possible help and fight for justice.”
The Rae Bareli lynching shocked the region. Hari Om Valmiki, a resident of Fatehpur district, was beaten to death by a mob in the Unchahar area. Police have arrested 12 people in connection with the case, but the incident has sparked widespread outrage.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai criticized the Yogi Adityanath government over the murder. He alleged that the state administration engages in oppression and injustice. Rai added that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath only “came to his senses” after the Congress raised the issue publicly.
Meanwhile, the Valmiki family released a video statement on Friday, just hours before Gandhi’s scheduled visit, saying they did not wish to meet him or any other opposition leader. The family said they were satisfied with the action taken by the state government and requested that political leaders not exploit the tragedy for publicity.
Despite the video, Gandhi insisted on visiting the family. He said it was important to stand in solidarity with victims of caste-based violence. Party sources stated that Gandhi’s visit aimed to assure the family of support and to draw attention to systemic issues affecting Dalits in Uttar Pradesh.
The lynching of Hari Om Valmiki has drawn national attention to caste-based violence in the state. Analysts said the case highlights persistent social tensions and the need for swift action by law enforcement. Congress leaders have called for stricter measures to protect vulnerable communities and for a transparent investigation into the incident.
As the controversy continues, the Uttar Pradesh government faces criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. Gandhi’s visit, alongside public statements from Congress leaders, underscores the party’s focus on justice for marginalized communities. Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the Rae Bareli lynching, holding the accused accountable while managing public outrage.
The incident and its political aftermath reflect growing debates over caste violence, administrative accountability, and the role of political parties in supporting victims while navigating sensitive local sentiments.
