Manoj Pandey, MLA from Unchahar constituency in Raebareli, met CM Yogi on Saturday (October 11) along with Sangeeta alias Pinky, wife of the deceased Hariom Valmiki. Sangeeta’s father, Chhotelal, and daughter, Ananya, were also present during the meeting.
Before this meeting, Ministers Asim Arun and Rakesh Sachan met Sangeeta and handed over financial aid sent by the government. MLA Manoj Pandey asked Sangeeta about the assistance, to which she replied that the government had given more help than expected. Around 1:30 p.m., the MLA brought her to Lucknow, and by evening, they met CM Yogi.
Sangeeta’s Words – ‘Baba, Only You Can Protect Us’
After meeting the Chief Minister in Lucknow, Sangeeta Valmiki said, “Baba, only you can protect Dalits.” She expressed satisfaction over the government’s and police’s actions and hoped for justice.
CM Yogi assured her of complete justice and announced that she would get a house under the Chief Minister’s Housing Scheme and a permanent job at her workplace. He also promised that all government welfare schemes would reach her family. CM Yogi said the government arrested the accused within 24 hours, prioritising the safety of Dalits and the deprived. He affirmed that the state will not compromise on law and order and will ensure strict punishment for the culprits.
MLA’s Statement and Progress in the Case
MLA Manoj Pandey said the Chief Minister had assured strict action against the remaining accused. The government approved the family’s demand for a job, and the family has already received ₹6.92 lakh as compensation. Police have arrested 12 of the 15 accused, while three are still on the run.
Sangeeta said she will find peace only after all the accused are caught.
Incident – Night of October 2
On October 2, the body of 38-year-old Hariom Valmiki was found near the railway track in Ishwardaspur village under Unchahar police station. Eyewitnesses said his body bore severe beating marks, deep head wounds, and belt marks on his chest.
On the night of October 1, about 24–25 villagers caught him and questioned him. Unsatisfied with his answers, they beat him with sticks and belts. They stripped him half-naked, tied his hands, and continued beating him. They then tied him to a pole near the canal, kept torturing him, and later dumped him near the railway track, where his body was foundthe next morning.
Background and Widow’s Statement
According to Sangeeta, her husband was mentally unstable and was coming to meet her in Raebareli. She works as a cleaner at Punjab National Bank in Unchahar and was living at her parents’ home.
Video Evidence
Four videos have surfaced in the case. The first video shows the body, the second captures the mob beating him, the third records Hariom shouting “Rahul Gandhi” while the crowd responds, “Everyone here supports Baba,” and the fourth shows police arriving at the scene but leaving without taking any action.
Footage from October 4
In the video, the mob beats half-naked Hariom lying on the ground with his hands tied behind his back, striking his thighs and genitals with belts and sticks. They hurl abuses and pour water on him as he screams “Rahul Gandhi” in pain, while voices from the crowd shout, “Everyone here supports Baba,” and “We’re getting tired of beating him.”
Police Action and Punitive Measures
After the video went viral on October 3, police registered a case against 12 people. On October 4, five accused—Vaibhav Singh, Vipin Maurya, Vijay Kumar, Sahdev, and Suresh Kumar—were arrested.
For negligence, SHO Sanjay Kumar of Unchahar police station was transferred, while Sub-Inspector Kamal Singh Yadav and constables Pradeep Kumar and Abhishek Kumar were suspended.
