Who is Agra’s Arun Valmiki? Mentioned by MP Priyanka Gandhi in Her Maiden Speech

On 13 December Priyanka Gandhi delivered her maiden speech as MP in Lok Sabha and had raised all issues like violence against women, Dalits and minorities. There was a name she included Arun Valmiki from Agra, whose death under police custody triggered much controversy in 2021.

2021 Incident

Arun Valmiki, a sanitation worker at Agra's Jagdishpura police station, was accused of stealing ₹25 lakh from the police storeroom on October 17, 2021. He was taken into custody, where he allegedly fell ill and was declared dead at the hospital. However, his family accused the police of custodial torture, leading to a significant public outcry. Priyanka Gandhi visited the victim's family late at night on October 21, 2021, despite initial resistance from the police.

Priyanka Gandhi’s Connection

During her speech, Priyanka highlighted Valmiki’s case to underscore her commitment to raising issues of justice for marginalized communities. Her mention of the incident emphasized that she hasn’t forgotten the tragic event.

Path to Parliament

Priyanka Gandhi had entered Lok Sabha with the Wayanad by-election win, where Rahul Gandhi had resigned his seat. She polled more than 4 lakh votes as she began her innings in Lok Sabha. The speech shows her remaining as an advocate of social justice and accountability.