India, Oct. 17 -- Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met the family of Hariom Valmiki in Fatehpur on Friday and expressed concerns over the increasing incidents of violence against Dalits across the country.

38-year-old Valmiki was lynched over suspicion of being a drone thief in Rae Bareli district's Unchahar area on October 2.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Gandhi alleged that Dalits are facing a growing wave of atrocities, including murder and sexual assault.

He urged Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure the protection and dignity of Hariom's family.

Responding to reports that the family had initially refused to meet him, Gandhi clarified, "I spoke with the family for nearly 30 minutes. They shared their...