Raebareli: Rahul Gandhi demands action in Dalit barber’s killing, slams UP police apathy

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and the leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi has joined the chorus of voices demanding justice following a wave of anger rippling through Raebareli, fueled by the unsolved murder of 22-year-old Dalit barber Arjun Pasi.

Gandhi pointed a finger at the perceived inaction of the police and vowed to hold the authorities accountable. “People who have gathered here want justice because a Dalit youth has been killed and his family has been blackmailed but no action is being taken against this. The SP is not taking any action against the mastermind and this is why people are angry here,” he said.

#WATCH | Raebareli, UP: LoP in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says “People who have gathered here want justice because a Dalit youth has been killed and his family has been blackmailed but no action is being taken against this. The SP is not taking any action against the… pic.twitter.com/TYzYX8ZuyA

— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2024

Gandhi visited the bereaved family and spoke to the slain’s mother. Pasi, a young barber, was shot dead outside his salon on August 11th following a dispute with local patrons who allegedly refused to pay for their haircuts. “I want people from every section of Uttar Pradesh to get respect and justice and that is why I have come here. We will not step back until justice is served to the family”.

Read More

Supreme Court raises concern over pollution in rivers caused by plastics

No pilgrims allowed in Uttarakhand’s Jageshwar temple after sunset; ASI limits entry

Jaishankar stresses on ‘free, rules-based Indo-Pacific’ at India-Japan 2+2 dialogue

“His mother told me that around six or seven people would come to get haircuts but never paid,” Gandhi recounted to reporters. “The last time they came, he asked them to pay, and then his son was killed.”

While the police have made six arrests in the case, Gandhi expressed deep dissatisfaction with the investigation’s progress, alleging a lack of action against the alleged mastermind behind the killing. “The superintendent of police is not taking any action against the mastermind, and this is why people are angry here,” he declared, echoing the frustration felt by the community.

He vowed to remain steadfast in his pursuit of justice for Pasi’s family, stating, “This is a clear-cut injustice, and it needs to be rectified. What punishment is to be given is up to the court, but I can put pressure, and I will not step back.”