The political atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh has heated up following the brutal beating and murder of Dalit Hariom Valmiki. Rahul Gandhi met with the family and demanded justice, while Priyanka Gandhi expressed her support. Police arrested 14 people, and some officers were suspended.
UP News: The case of the brutal beating and murder of Dalit Hariom Valmiki in Uttar Pradesh has raised the political temperature. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, met with Valmiki's family in Raebareli and alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government attempted to prevent and intimidate the family from meeting him. Rahul Gandhi stated that atrocities and violence against Dalits are occurring across the country, and the Congress will always be ready to provide all possible assistance. He also clarified that justice must be ensured, and criminals should not be protected.
Details of the Incident
Around 1 AM on the night of October 2, 2025, Hariom Valmiki was on his way to his in-laws' house near Jamunapur village in Raebareli. Villagers stopped him on suspicion of theft and severely beat him with sticks, leading to his death on the spot. A rumor had spread that some people were monitoring thefts using drones. Following this incident, outrage spread throughout the area, and questions arose regarding the safety of the Dalit community.
Rahul Gandhi's Interaction with the Family
After meeting the family, Rahul Gandhi told reporters that the government had intimidated the family and prevented them from meeting him. He emphasized that Valmiki's family was not part of any crime, but a crime had been committed against them.
The family informed Rahul Gandhi that they were restricted from leaving their house and were being intimidated. He stated that crimes, murders, and rapes against Dalits are increasing, and the state government should take responsibility in such cases.
Priyanka Gandhi's Support
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also commented on the matter. She stated that the Congress would stand against atrocities on Dalits nationwide and provide all possible help. She posted that Hariom Valmiki's family said the government had threatened to prevent them from meeting Rahul Gandhi, but that is not important. The real issue is ensuring action against the perpetrators and helping the victim's family.
Family's Stance
However, the family had previously expressed satisfaction with the government assistance. Valmiki's younger brother stated that a cabinet minister from Uttar Pradesh visited their home and provided a government job to his sister. The family clarified that they are satisfied with the government's handling of the case and do not expect political leaders to politicize the matter. Posters were also shown near the family in a video, stating that they do not need political sympathy, as the government has provided sufficient aid.
Police Action
The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested 14 people in connection with this case. This includes the main accused, who was apprehended in an encounter on October 10. Additionally, five police personnel, including two sub-inspectors, have been suspended for alleged negligence in handling the case. Officials stated that the arrested individuals belong to various castes, including people from Dalit and backward communities. The police have appealed to the public not to view this incident from a caste-based perspective.
