Cong lodges complaint with NHRC over lynching of Dalit man in Bareilly

The Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC), led by its president Devender Yadav, on Friday lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over the alleged mob lynching of a 40-year-old Dalit man, Hari Om Valmiki, in UP’s Bareilly.

Calling it a “blatant assault on human rights,” the Congress delegation urged the Commission to take stern action against the culprits and formulate guidelines to prevent atrocities against Dalits and other marginalised communities.

The delegation met NHRC Member Justice Dr Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, who, according to Yadav, gave a patient hearing to the complaint and assured the delegation of appropriate action.

Yadav said the incident had once again exposed the atrocities being carried out against Dalits by goons, particularly in BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh. He accused the UP Government of protecting the guilty instead of taking swift action.

The DPCC chief emphasised that despite India celebrating 75 years of Independence, “Dalits and the marginalised are still subjected to unbridled assaults aimed at restricting their freedom and dignity.” He added, “It is disturbing that such barbaric incidents are happening when the country is supposedly marching towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’. No country can truly be considered developed while a vital section of society lives under fear and subjugation.”

In its complaint, the Congress delegation also cited previous incidents of violence against Dalits and minorities, including the deaths of Rohith Vemula, Akhlaq, Pehlu Khan, and the assaults on women in Hathras and Unnao, saying such acts tarnish India’s image internationally.

The party has requested the NHRC to depute a high-level inquiry team to visit Bareilly to uncover the truth and restore public confidence.

Besides Yadav, the delegation included DPCC Legal and Human Rights Department chairman Sunil Kumar, along with several advocates and law students.