Rahul Gandhi Stages Dharna Over Pellet Gun FIR
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi staged a dharna at Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi on Friday, demanding registration of an FIR over pellet injuries suffered by 19-year-old Sahil Lochab during the July 20 CJP-led student protest. Gandhi accused authorities of failing to act despite medical evidence and reports confirming the use of pellet ammunition.
Rahul Gandhi Demands FIR Over Pellet Injuries
Gandhi accompanied Lochab to the police station after initially approaching Mandir Marg Police Station seeking registration of a case.
When discussions with senior police officials failed to produce an FIR, Gandhi began a sit-in at Parliament Street Police Station. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other party leaders later joined the protest.
Lochab suffered serious pellet injuries during the July 20 demonstration and has reportedly experienced significant damage to his eyesight.
CJP Protest Pellet Gun Use Under Scrutiny
The July 20 protest was organised over the NEET paper leak controversy and demands concerning Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Delhi Police initially denied using pellet guns during the demonstration. However, subsequent records indicated that Rapid Action Force personnel deployed anti-riot weapons containing plastic pellets during crowd-control operations.
Medical records have also documented pellet injuries among protesters, intensifying scrutiny over how force was used during the demonstration.
Supreme Court Examines Police Action
The pellet gun controversy is also part of wider Supreme Court proceedings examining allegations of excessive police force during recent student protests across several states.
The Court has indicated that it may constitute a high-powered committee to examine the circumstances surrounding police action.
Gandhi has maintained that those responsible for ordering and carrying out any unlawful use of force should face investigation through a formally registered FIR.
