Una (Gujarat): Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi today met the family members of the Dalit family who were brutally thrashed by Gau Rakshak workers over allegations of skinning a dead cow in Una town of Gir-Somnath district in Gujarat.
Rahul’s visit comes a day after he was seen sleeping inside the Lok Sabha during a discussion on the same matter.
“We told Rahulji everything, how we were all beaten up. He said they will do everything in their power to get us justice,” said one of the victims after meeting Rahul.
“Why would we leave this village? People who hurt us should leave,” the victim added.
The victims alleged that they were stripped, tied to an SUV and beaten up with iron rods by Gau Rakshak members on July 11.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state is facing severe criticism after the video of the attackers went viral. The issue has also evoked strong protests in Parliament.
Yesterday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh informed the Lok Sabha that nine people have been arrested and four police officials have been suspended in connection with the case.
Chief Minister Anandiben Patel had visited the village of the victims yesterday. After meeting the villagers, she claimed all 25 Dalit families in the village were satisfied with the government's action in the matter.
The government has set up inquiry under CID (Crime) for investigation and all nine accused have been arrested. An ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to each victim has already been announced and their medical expenses would be borne by the state government.
Meanwhile, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is expected to visit the town tomorrow.
The beating of the Dalit youth has caused nationwide outrage after the video went viral. The victims said they were skinning a dead cow and had not killed it.
