On October 1, 2025, a Dalit man named Hari Om was brutally lynched by a mob in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, after being accused of being a “drone thief.” The attack involved merciless beating and abandonment near railway tracks, where he succumbed to injuries.
Five suspects have been arrested. While police attribute the violence to panic caused by rumours of drones stealing from homes, political leaders, including Congress, allege a politically motivated attack linked to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s supporters, triggered by Hari Om’s invocation of Rahul Gandhi’s name. The victim’s death has sparked outrage, condolence messages from Rahul Gandhi, and renewed debates about caste violence and mob lynchings in India.
Mob Violence and the Terror of Drone Theft Rumours
The lynching took place when Hari Om, a 38-year-old Dalit man believed to be mengtally ill, was travelling from his village Taravati to Unchahar. According to eyewitness accounts and video footage, a mob accosted him on suspicion of being a “drone thief” amid widespread panic triggered by reports of drones allegedly stealing items from households in Rae Bareli and surrounding areas.
The attackers beat him heavily with sticks and belts, leaving him semi-conscious beside railway tracks. The brutal assault reflects the fear and anxiety gripping rural communities over the perceived threat of drone-related thefts, which created an environment ripe for violent vigilantism. Despite police assurances, the chaos of misinformation significantly escalated the tragic consequences for Hari Om.
थाना ऊंचाहार क्षेत्र अतंर्गत कुछ लोगों द्वारा एक युवक को चोर समझ कर पीटकर उसकी हत्या किए जाने के संबंध में अपर पुलिस अधीक्षक रायबरेली श्री संजीव कुमार सिन्हा का वक्तव्य-#UPPolice #Raebarelipolice pic.twitter.com/R1cw1f1iNt
— Raebareli Police (@raebarelipolice) October 5, 2025
Political Dimensions and Accusations
The lynching has rapidly become a political flashpoint in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress party condemned the incident, accusing the BJP-led state government of fostering an atmosphere of hatred and division. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed pointed to the video’s reference to “Baba”, interpreted as a support for Yogi Adityanath, and the victim calling out Rahul Gandhi’s name during the attack as evidence of politically motivated violence.
Rahul Gandhi himself expressed grief and condolences to the victim’s family, emphasising the normalisation of such lynchings as a dire national concern requiring stringent measures. This incident spotlights the dangerous mix of caste-based discrimination, political polarisation, and misinformation that impedes social harmony and the protection of marginalised communities in parts of India today.
Context, Aftermath, and Justice Efforts
The backdrop to this lynching involves rising anxiety over drones being employed for theft, a relatively new concern in rural UP that has incited multiple scares. The deadly consequence faced by Hari Om exposes the vulnerability of Dalits and persons with disabilities to mob violence fueled by rumours and prejudice.
Law enforcement swiftly arrested five suspects and pledged thorough investigations, yet many activists and opposition leaders stress the need for systemic reforms to prevent such heinous acts. Calls for awareness campaigns, legal accountability, and community dialogue have gained momentum as the tragic death reignites debates about caste violence and governance in the region.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Hari Om’s lynching is a sombre reminder of the human cost of fear-driven mob violence and politically charged social divisions. At The Logical Indian, there is a resolute call for peace, empathy, and community dialogue transcending caste, political loyalties, and misinformation.
Society must reject vigilantism, confront prejudice, and strengthen legal frameworks to protect every citizen’s dignity and safety, particularly the marginalised. For a pluralistic India to thrive, it is essential to promote kindness, understanding, and coexistence.
Came across a very disturbing video from Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, where a Dalit youth Hariom was lynched and killed by a few criminals.
— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) October 5, 2025
When he repeatedly said “Rahul Gandhi, @RahulGandhi ,” those criminals claimed they were supporters of Yogi.
This is what the double engine… pic.twitter.com/s4M6JziAfj
रायबरेली में दलित युवक की पीट-पीटकर हत्या करने की खबर बेहद दुखद है। शोकाकुल परिजनों के साथ हमारी संवेदनाएं हैं।
— Congress (@INCIndia) October 5, 2025
वीडियो में दलित युवक आखिरी उम्मीद के तौर पर जब नेता विपक्ष श्री राहुल गांधी का नाम लेता है, हत्यारे तब भी नहीं रुकते और उल्टा कहते हैं कि- 'हम 'बाबा' वाले हैं।'
ये…
