Fatehpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 17 (HBTV): Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday met with the family of Dalit man Hariom Valmiki, who was allegedly killed by a mob in Raebareli.
The Congress MP alleged that the victim’s family is being ‘treated like criminals,’ accusing the state government of ‘locking them inside their house’. He claimed that a family member requires medical treatment but is unable to access it due to restrictions imposed by the authorities.
‘The family did not commit the crime. A crime has been committed against them, and it seems as if they are the criminals. They are not being allowed to go out of their house. They are being threatened. All they are asking for is justice. Our son had been killed. The murder is recorded on video. We are asking for justice... There is a girl in there who needs to be operated on, but she is unable to get it done because the government has locked them in,’ Rahul Gandhi told reporters after meeting the family in Fatehpur.
Rahul Gandhi further urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ‘serve justice’ and ‘respect the family’.
‘Atrocities, murders and rapes are being committed against Dalits across the nation. I want to ask the CM to serve justice. The family should be respected. Action should be taken against the perpetrators, and they should not be protected,’ he said.
The Raebareli MP reiterated the Congress Party’s support for the family and assured them of all possible assistance.
‘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 are atrocities against Dalits in the country, Congress will be there to fight for justice,’ he said.
Hariom Valmiki was allegedly beaten to death by a group of people who ‘mistook him for a thief’ in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli, according to police.
Following the incident, Uttar Pradesh Police removed Unchahar police station chief Sanjay Kumar and suspended five officials. The police have also arrested more than ten people linked to the case.
(ANI)