Dalit Man Lynched After Being Mistaken for Thief in UP: 5 Arrested, Police Personnel Suspended

Police are working to identify and apprehend the remaining perpetrators involved in the incident.

Raebareli: A 40-year-old Dalit man was fatally attacked by villagers who mistakenly identified him as a thief during their night watch. The vigilance was prompted by rumors of a gang using drones to survey homes for potential robberies, according to police statements on Monday.

Authorities have arrested five individuals and suspended three police personnel for alleged dereliction of duty. Officials noted that the accused come from diverse social backgrounds, including Dalit and backward castes, and urged residents to refrain from circulating caste-related rumors about the incident.

The deceased was identified as Hariom, who resided in the neighboring Fatehpur district.

Police reported that residents in multiple villages within the Unchahar police station jurisdiction had been conducting night patrols following rumors about drone surveillance being used to plan thefts.

On Wednesday night, villagers became suspicious after observing a man moving near the Jamunapur crossing and began interrogating him. When Hariom failed to provide satisfactory responses, the villagers allegedly subjected him to brutal violence, assuming he was a thief.

According to witnesses who spoke to police, the mob dragged the victim to Ishwardaspur railway station and abandoned him there in critical condition.

The following morning, villagers discovered his body near the railway tracks. His clothing was torn, and his body displayed numerous injury marks.

Police stated that upon their arrival at the scene, the man was lying in a pool of blood and had already succumbed to his injuries.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sanjeev Kumar Sinha confirmed that a murder case has been registered and five suspects have been arrested.

Investigations continue to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the crime, he added.

Sub-Inspector Kamal Singh Yadav and constables Pradeep Kumar and Abhishek Kumar have been suspended for alleged negligence, according to Sinha.

He emphasized that the accused represent various social backgrounds, including Dalit and backward castes, and appealed to the public not to propagate caste-related rumors regarding the incident.

Sinha urged citizens to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement, assuring that strict action would be taken against those involved in the killing.

Meanwhile, the Congress party stated on Monday that this incident demonstrates a "complete collapse" of law and order in Uttar Pradesh. The opposition party demanded Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's resignation, an SIT investigation into the killing, compensation of Rs 1 crore for the victim's family, and government employment for one family member.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai visited Hariom's family in Fatehpur district on Monday, spending approximately 25 minutes with his parents and wife.

Hariom's brother Shivam told reporters that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had spoken with their father Gangadeen.

"Rahul said, 'Don't worry, the Congress family is with you. I will try my best to help.' He also inquired about my father's health," Shivam recounted.

"I told him that everyone calls on the phone, but when someone comes forward in person, that's when we truly know who stands with us," Shivam added.

Speaking to reporters, Rai criticized the Adityanath government, alleging that "jungle raj" prevails in the state.

"The youth was beaten mercilessly. This shows that this is a jungle raj government," Rai stated.

Addressing claims that Hariom was targeted for mentioning Rahul Gandhi's name during the assault, Rai said, "Yes, the accused said, 'When that boy took Rahul ji's name, they beat him even more.' Every Congress worker, every 'Babbar Sher' of Rahul Gandhi, stands with this family. Our leader has personally spoken to them. We will ensure justice."

Rai also alleged that police were present during the incident but failed to intervene. "Instead of taking him to the police station, they left him to die," he claimed.

He added that the family has demanded severe punishment for the accused, Rs 1 crore compensation, and a government position for one family member.