New Delhi

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday demanded a high-level investigation into the alleged rape and murder of a girl from the Vishwakarma community in Ghazipur and called for immediate justice.

In a post on X, Gandhi said that in a country and state where parents must struggle even to get an FIR registered for their daughter, the government has no moral right to remain in power. He also demanded action against police officers found guilty of negligence and sought protection for the victim’s family.

Referring to the incident, Gandhi said the brutal killing of the girl was followed by threats and violence aimed at preventing the family from filing a complaint. He linked the case to earlier incidents such as Hathras, Kathua and Unnao, alleging a recurring pattern of injustice.

He said victims in such cases were often Dalit, backward, tribal or poor, and accused authorities of shielding perpetrators while harassing victims’ families. Gandhi also criticised what he described as silence from those in power who should speak out.

Addressing Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath, Gandhi asked why daughters remained unsafe under their rule. He added that justice should not have to be begged for, but secured through determined struggle.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised the handling of the case, saying reluctance to register a complaint, threats to the victim’s family and interference by influential people showed that crimes against women in the state had reached alarming levels.

She alleged that under BJP rule, women facing atrocities were often further victimised instead of being protected. Referring to cases in Unnao, Hathras, Prayagraj and Ghazipur, she claimed the ruling party had repeatedly sided with oppressors rather than victims.

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The case concerns a teenage girl whose body was found in the Karanda area of Ghazipur district on April 15. Her family has alleged sexual assault and murder. Police are investigating the matter, while relatives and local residents continue to demand justice.