Fatehpur: Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to visit Fatehpur district on Thursday to meet the family of Hariom Valmiki, a Dalit man who was brutally beaten to death earlier this month after being wrongfully accused of theft.
Rahul Gandhi will arrive in Kanpur early Thursday morning by special flight from Delhi and will travel by road to Fatehpur. Between 9:15 and 9:45 a.m., he will meet the victim’s family to express solidarity and reiterate the Congress party’s commitment to justice for the bereaved family, according to Congress Uttar Pradesh unit chief Ajay Rai.
Hariom Valmiki was attacked on the night of October 2 near Jamunapur village in the Unchahar area of Rae Bareli district. The horrific incident triggered widespread anger and condemnation from opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, which blamed the BJP-led government for failing to protect marginalized communities and curb mob violence.
In response, police have registered a case and arrested 14 individuals linked to the assault. The primary accused was apprehended after a police encounter on October 10. Additionally, five police officials, including two sub-inspectors, were suspended over alleged negligence.
Authorities are continuing efforts to identify and arrest others involved, some of whom may have fled beyond the district’s borders. Rae Bareli police emphasized that the arrested individuals come from various castes, including Dalit and backward communities, and urged the public not to politicize the incident along caste lines.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with Hariom’s widow, Sangeeta Valmiki, and family members in Lucknow on October 11. He promised swift justice and announced benefits including a permanent government job for the widow, housing under the Chief Minister’s scheme, and other welfare support. The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to protecting the safety and dignity of Dalits and backward communities.
Rahul Gandhi will return to Kanpur after his visit and proceed to Assam as part of his day-long tour.
