Dalit Man Beaten To Death Over Suspicion Of Theft In UP’s Rae Bareli

Last Updated:October 06, 2025, 10:13 IST

The incident took place when the victim, Hariom, was going to his in-laws’ house in Dandepur Jamunapur.

Left: Victim Hariom; Right: His wife, Pinky, speaking to media

A Dalit man was brutally beaten to death by a group of locals in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, after they allegedly mistook him for a thief. Police have so far arrested five people in connection with the incident.

A video of the incident has also emerged online, showing the victim, identified as Hariom, being lynched and thrashed with sticks and belts by a group of men.

The man, believed to be mentally unstable, can be faintly heard murmuring a few words, including “Rahul Gandhi.”

He was going to his in-laws’ house in Dandepur Jamunapur when a group of people surrounded him and started beating him, suspecting him to be a drone thief.

Speaking about the incident, ASP Raebareli Sanjeev Kumar Sinha said that the police have filed a complaint in connection with the incident and a search to nab other accused is underway.

“In the Unchahar police station area, a case has been filed immediately and five people have been sent to jail in connection with the case of a man being beaten to death by some people who mistook him for a thief. The remaining accused will soon be identified and arrested, and efforts are underway to apprehend them,” said Sinha.

Raids are being conducted continuously… A total of three police officers, including a sub-inspector from the area, have been suspended,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi Dials Victim’s Family

Following the incident, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to his father and brother, and expressed solidarity, according AICC media and publicity department head Pawan Khera.

“In his final moments, as he was being mercilessly beaten with sticks and belts, the deceased young man remembered his last hope – Shri Rahul Gandhi,” he said.

“For Rahul ji, who represents Raebareli in Parliament and considers its people his family, this tragedy is deeply wounding. He has personally spoken to the father and brother of the deceased and stands in complete solidarity with them in this hour of unbearable grief,” Khera said.

“He (Gandhi) has also expressed his profound concern over the dangerous normalisation of lynching in India, vowing that such violent elements must face their legal end. Justice must be served,” he added.

Wife Of Victim Demands Justice

Pinky, the wife of Hariom, demanded justice and strict action against the accused.

Speaking to the reporters with tears in her eyes, she said,”My husband was beaten to death. Whatever happened to my husband, the same should happen to those who beat him to death.”

“I need help from the government. I have a daughter…Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi spoke with my in-laws, not with me,” she added.

About the Author

Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her…Read More

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her… Read More

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