Lucknow

On Monday, Ajay Rai, the President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress, visited the family of 24-year-old Dalit youth Aman Gautam, who allegedly died in police custody after being arrested at a gambling den in Vikas Nagar. Rai called for strict action against the police officers involved and demanded murder charges be filed against them.

He urged the state government to file charges under Section 302 (Murder) and called for compensation of ₹1 crore, along with a government job for Gautam’s widow. This young woman deserves support after losing her husband, and the government must act swiftly, he stated.

Gautam died in custody on Saturday, with his family claiming he was beaten to death by police officers, a claim the police refute. They argue that he died from a heart attack, which they say is supported by the autopsy report. Following the family’s complaint, an FIR has been filed against Constable Shailendra Singh and three other officers.

During his visit, Rai expressed his condolences and solidarity with the grieving family. He condemned the police’s actions, emphasizing the need for accountability. Additionally, Rai criticized the Yogi Adityanath government for another recent incident in Bahraich, where a youth was shot during a Durga idol immersion.