A horrifying case of mob lynching has shocked Uttar Pradesh after a 28-year-old Dalit man, Hariom Paswan, was beaten to death by a mob in Raebareli on October 3. Initially accused of stealing a drone, later videos circulating online revealed villagers mercilessly thrashing him as he screamed Rahul Gandhi’s name for help. The mob was heard shouting, “We are Baba’s men,” before killing him.

Rahul Gandhi personally reached out to the grieving family, speaking to them thrice on Sunday night. In his conversation with Hariom’s father, Gangadeen, he assured full support and said, “The Congress family stands with you.” Gandhi also instructed party leaders to meet the family in person to ensure justice.

Hariom’s wife, Pinky, broke down demanding strict punishment for the culprits. “My husband was beaten mercilessly. His killers should be punished the same way,” she said.

Congress’s Uttar Pradesh chief Ajay Rai visited the family in Fatehpur and launched a scathing attack on the state government. Calling it a reflection of “Baba’s Jungle Raj,” Rai accused the administration of shielding the culprits. “The boy was beaten just for taking Rahul Gandhi’s name,” he said, promising that the Congress party would stand with the family until justice is delivered.

Police have arrested five accused — Vaibhav Singh, Vipin Maurya, Vijay Kumar, Sahdev, and Suresh Kumar — in connection with the lynching. Three policemen have been suspended for negligence, and the Station House Officer has been transferred following public outrage.

Meanwhile, the victim’s family has demanded ₹1 crore in compensation and a government job for a family member. The brutal killing has reignited the debate over rising mob violence and caste-related attacks in Uttar Pradesh, with opposition parties blaming the state’s law and order situation.

The case continues to draw widespread condemnation, with human rights groups calling for an impartial probe and justice for the Paswan family.