Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi visited Bool Garhi village in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday to meet the family of the 19-year-old Dalit woman who died in September 2020 after an alleged gangrape. His visit reignites attention to a case that sparked nationwide outrage over caste and gender-based violence.
Heavy Security Deployment
Gandhi arrived in the village at approximately 11:15 AM, accompanied by a robust security detail. In anticipation of his visit, police intensified security measures around the hamlet in Hathras’ Chandpa area. Uttar Pradesh Congress Chief Ajay Rai confirmed earlier that Gandhi’s visit aimed to stand in solidarity with the grieving family.
Political Reactions
Congress leader Chandragupt Vikramaditya, speaking to PTI, said, “Rahul ji and Priyanka ji have always reached out to aggrieved families. This visit is another step in their continued effort to ensure justice.”
Meanwhile, political opponents criticized Gandhi’s visit. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak labeled the visit as a “publicity stunt,” claiming, “The CBI has already investigated the case, and justice is being pursued under BJP rule. Rahul Gandhi’s frequent visits are merely for limelight, not justice.”
Minister for Minorities Welfare Om Prakash Rajbhar echoed similar sentiments, suggesting Gandhi’s actions reflect desperation within the Congress party. “If he knows of a higher investigating authority than the CBI, he should inform us. Otherwise, such visits appear to be mere gimmicks,” Rajbhar stated.
A Case That Shook the Nation
The incident involved the alleged gangrape of the 19-year-old victim on September 14, 2020. She succumbed to her injuries on September 29, 2020, after being transferred from Aligarh to Delhi for treatment. The case drew widespread condemnation, particularly over allegations that the police cremated the victim without the family’s consent in the early hours of October 30.
Local police initially denied the allegations, claiming the cremation was conducted as per the family’s wishes. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) later took over the case, filing a charge sheet against four accused.
Continued Commitment to Justice
Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, had earlier visited the victim’s family in October 2020, pledging to fight for justice. Their renewed visit underscores the Congress party’s intent to keep the focus on the case, ensuring accountability and justice for the victim’s family.
As the visit rekindles attention on this tragic incident, it also highlights the broader political dynamics and ongoing debates about justice, governance, and support for victims of caste and gender-based violence in India.