**Raebareli Lynching: Dalit Man Hariom Paswan Beaten to Death Over Drone Theft Allegation**
In a tragic incident on October 3, a Dalit man named Hariom Paswan was lynched by a mob in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh. Initially accused of stealing a drone, multiple videos later surfaced showing villagers brutally thrashing him, even as he cried out the name of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Eyewitnesses reported that the mob shouted, “We are Baba’s men,” before mercilessly beating Hariom to death. The phrase is believed to refer to the influence of the ruling party in the area.
Following the incident, Rahul Gandhi contacted the victim’s family three times on Sunday night, assuring them of support. He promised that Congress leaders would visit the family in person. According to reports, Rahul Gandhi told Hariom’s father, Gangadeen, “The Congress family stands with you.”
The victim’s wife, Pinky, demanded justice, stating, “My husband was beaten mercilessly. His killers should be punished the same way.”
Congress state president Ajay Rai visited the family in Fatehpur and condemned the incident as a reflection of what he called “Baba’s Jungle Raj.” Rai criticized the ruling party for allegedly protecting the mob and pointed out police inaction. He said, “The boy was beaten just for taking Rahul Gandhi’s name,” and affirmed that Congress workers would support the family until justice is served.
In response to the incident, the police have arrested five accused: Vaibhav Singh, Vipin Maurya, Vijay Kumar, Sahdev, and Suresh Kumar. Additionally, three policemen have been suspended for negligence, and the local station officer has been transferred.
The victim’s family has demanded compensation of ₹1 crore along with a government job as relief.
This case has reignited outrage across Uttar Pradesh, sparking renewed debates on mob violence and political accountability in the state. The administration’s handling of the case and the broader issue remains closely watched by political parties and the public alike.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/rahul-gandhi-speaks-to-family-of-lynching-victim-assures-justice-support
