Rahul Gandhi’s visit to lynching victim’s kin will reaffirm stand against injustice: Congress leader

Uttar Pradesh Congress on Thursday (October 16, 2025) said its senior leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Fatehpur on Friday (October 17, 2025) to meet the family members of Hariom Valmiki, a Dalit man who was allegedly lynched, reaffirms the party’s commitment to standing with victims of injustice.

“Every district in U.P. 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,” said Ajay Rai, U.P. Congress president.

Hariom was lynched by a mob on October 1 in Raebareli, accused of theft. A purported video shows men beating him, with Hariom faintly saying words including “Rahul Gandhi.” The assailants continued, saying, “Everyone here is with Baba.”

The incident sparked an uproar, leading Raebareli police to arrest five people, suspend three officers, and transfer SHO Sanjay Kumar.

Mr. Rai said Congress plans to launch a mass movement on U.P.’s “deteriorating law and order” situation.

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