Rahul Gandhi Visits Family of Hathras Rape Victim; UP Deputy CM Accuses LoP of Instigation
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Lucknow, Dec 12 (NationPress) Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, made a trip to Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday to connect with the family of the victim involved in the 2020 rape case.
This visit occurred just a day after the LoP, accompanied by his sister and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, met the families of victims from the November 24 Sambhal violence.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak responded strongly to Rahul Gandhi's visit, accusing him of inciting riots and provoking unrest, which he claimed was an effort to create chaos in Uttar Pradesh.
"Rahul Gandhi Ji, you are misled and filled with despair. The CBI has concluded its investigation into the Hathras case, and the proceedings are ongoing in court as per judicial protocols," Pathak stated.
"While you speak of progress, your actions—whether in Hathras, Sambhal, or Aligarh—appear aimless and misguided," he further commented.
Pathak underscored the state's developmental strides, asserting, "Uttar Pradesh is making significant advancements in infrastructure and law enforcement, which is acknowledged nationwide. Yet, it seems you aim to obstruct this progress by inciting disturbances. Please stop such actions; the nation is weary of these unnecessary provocations."
In the meantime, security around Boolgarhi village in Hathras was heightened in anticipation of Rahul Gandhi's visit.
Congress District President Chandragupta Vikramaditya defended the LoP's visit, stating, "Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are leaders who remain connected with every citizen. Whenever injustice occurs, Rahul Gandhi stands with the victims. The responsibilities that the nation's leadership should uphold are being addressed by him."
The Hathras case, which garnered national attention, involved the gang rape and murder of a Dalit girl on September 14, 2020. She succumbed to her injuries on September 29, 2020.
Following a CBI investigation, four young men from the village were charged, leading to a trial. On March 2, 2023, the Special Court under the SC/ST Act convicted one accused, Sandeep, sentencing him to life imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs 50,000. However, the court acquitted the other three accused.
The victim's family, unhappy with the verdict, has appealed the decision in the High Court. They continue to seek government housing and employment outside their village, a request that remains unfulfilled by the state government.
