New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday staged a sit-in outside the Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi, seeking an FIR over alleged pellet-gun injuries suffered by 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab during the July 20 student protest in the capital. Gandhi was accompanied by Lochab and several Congress leaders.
Gandhi first approached Mandir Marg Police Station
Gandhi and Lochab initially visited the Mandir Marg Police Station to seek registration of a complaint. They subsequently went to the Parliament Street Police Station, where Gandhi met senior Delhi Police officials, including DCP (Central) Sachin Sharma. Gandhi later sat on a dharna outside the DCP office, pressing for action in the case.
The Congress has alleged that the police had earlier refused to register an FIR concerning Lochab’s injuries. However, during Friday’s developments, Delhi Police said that the complaint had been accepted and an investigating officer had been assigned to the case. Police also said Gandhi was informed about the development.
Student alleges pellet injuries
Lochab has alleged that he was injured by pellets during the July 20 Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Jantar Mantar. Reports state that he sustained injuries to his eye and abdomen and subsequently underwent treatment at the AIIMS Trauma Centre.
Gandhi has demanded accountability over the alleged use of force and called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the injuries.
Controversy over use of pellet guns
The July 20 protest was linked to demands concerning alleged examination irregularities and the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The issue of the alleged use of pellet guns during the police response has since become a major political controversy.
Delhi Police has denied that its personnel used pellet guns against protesters. However, subsequent reports have cited official records concerning the use of anti-riot weapons and plastic pellets during the protest. The exact nature and circumstances of the ammunition used remain a matter of dispute.
Rahul Gandhi demands accountability
Speaking during the protest, Gandhi described the alleged use of pellet guns against protesters as a serious issue and demanded that those responsible be held accountable. Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also joined Gandhi at the protest site.
The latest development is that the police have said the complaint has been accepted and an investigating officer appointed. The investigation will now determine the circumstances surrounding Lochab’s injuries and the alleged use of anti-riot weapons during the July 20 protest.
