Congress leader and Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi visited the residence of a Dalit woman who allegedly died following a gang rape incident in September 2020.
The Congress parliamentarian arrived at Bool Garhi village at approximately 11:15 am, while police increased security measures in and around the settlement located in the district’s Chandpa region due to his visit. Gandhi spent roughly 35 minutes at their house engaging with the family members.
He departed without addressing the media personnel who had assembled in the village to cover his visit.
Following Gandhi’s departure, former Congress Hathras chief Chandragupta Vikramaditya informed reporters, “Rahul Gandhi maintains a connection with this family. He has consistently supported them and will persist in doing so. Today’s visit was to understand their concerns. He continues to advocate for their cause.”
In the previous month, the Congress MP and Leader of Opposition had attempted to visit the riot-affected Sambhal district to meet affected families but was prevented by the state administration, with local officials citing a ban on external visitors, including elected representatives, until December 10 due to security concerns in the region.
Before Gandhi meets with the family, Chandragupta Vikramaditya told PTI, “Rahul ji and Priyanka ji are leaders who maintain contact with distressed people nationwide. Rahul ji has also kept in touch with this particular family.”
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak criticized Gandhi’s visit, stating he is “confused” and “unaware of the case’s current status.” “The CBI has completed its investigation of this case. Under BJP governance, no perpetrator escapes punishment,” Pathak stated. “Whether it’s Sambhal or Hathras, he (Gandhi) visits merely for publicity rather than genuine concern.”
UP Minister for Minorities Welfare Om Prakash Rajbhar also criticized Rahul Gandhi. “If he was unaware of the case details, he should know that a CBI investigation was completed long ago. If he knows of any superior investigating body, he should inform us. Such visits are merely publicity stunts reflecting Congress’s desperation,” Rajbhar stated.
Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi visited the family on October 3, 2020, pledging to pursue justice for the deceased. The 19-year-old victim was allegedly gang-raped on September 14, 2020. She was transferred to Aligarh for treatment and subsequently to Delhi, where she passed away on September 29, 2020.
Her cremation occurred early on October 30, with her family claiming local police compelled them to perform the final rites during nighttime. Local police officials, however, told PTI that the cremation was conducted “according to the family’s wishes.”
Following an initial police investigation into the matter, the CBI assumed control of the case and submitted a charge sheet against all.