hathras

Hathras is a district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It gained national and international attention due to a tragic and highly controversial incident in September 2020, where a 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly gang-raped by four men from a higher caste. The incident occurred in the village of Boolgarhi in Hathras district and led to widespread outrage across India, sparking debates about caste-based violence, gender inequality, and the treatment of marginalized communities in the country.

The Hathras case became a significant point of discussion due to the manner in which it was handled by the local authorities. The victim succumbed to her injuries two weeks after the attack, and her body was cremated by the police in the early hours of the morning, allegedly without the consent of her family. This led to protests and demands for justice, with many criticizing the police and state government's response.

The incident also drew attention to the broader issues of violence against women in India, particularly those from lower castes, and highlighted the challenges in accessing justice for victims of sexual violence.

The case was later handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation, and it continues to be a reference point in discussions about the need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable communities and ensure justice in cases of sexual violence.

In October 2020, BOOM investigated a viral photo of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi that was being shared with misleading claims.

BOOM found that the photo was actually from April 2019, showing the Gandhi siblings greeting each other at an airport while campaigning during India's general election. The image was incorrectly presented as a more recent event.