Rahul Gandhi Demands Justice for Pellet Gun Victim Amidst Protest at Police Station

Congress Leader's Protest for Justice

New Delhi: On Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a sit-in at the Parliament Street police station, demanding the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) regarding pellet injuries sustained by a young protester during a demonstration led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on July 20. He condemned the 'brutality' against peaceful protesters as a 'serious crime.'

Gandhi, who serves as the opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for failing to provide an explanation regarding the use of pellet guns during the protest, and noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not issued an apology.

Accompanied by 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, the victim of the pellet injuries, Gandhi first approached the Mandir Marg police station to request the FIR. After being denied, he proceeded to the Parliament Street police station, where he met with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Sachin Sharma.

Following an unproductive discussion with Sharma, Gandhi and Lochab initiated a sit-in at the police station, which also accommodates the DCP's office.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior party members joined the protest in solidarity.

Lochab suffered serious injuries to his eyes and abdomen during the protest against the NEET paper leak and alleged examination irregularities, necessitating surgery at the AIIMS Trauma Centre.

In a post on X, Gandhi expressed, 'On July 20, the police attacked Sahil, who was peacefully protesting at Jantar Mantar, with a pellet gun. His vision in one eye is now at risk due to severe injuries.'

'Such brutality against a peaceful protest is not only illegal but constitutes a serious crime. Neither Home Minister Amit Shah nor the Prime Minister has apologized to the students for this act of cruelty,' he stated.

Gandhi emphasized that Sahil's attempt to file an FIR for justice is being obstructed, stating, 'This is a violation of constitutional rights. @AmitShah ji, why are you afraid of justice? This fear indicates your acknowledgment of guilt.'

He vowed to secure justice for Lochab and all other affected students, asserting, 'An FIR will be filed, a judicial inquiry will be conducted, and action will be taken against all responsible parties.'

A police source indicated that the New Delhi DCP is in communication with Gandhi, and Lochab's complaint will be forwarded to the Crime Branch for further investigation.

Sources revealed that Lochab, accompanied by his lawyers, submitted a written complaint to the police on August 14, but no FIR was registered. Despite follow-ups via email and phone on August 17, there was no response from the police, prompting Lochab to seek Gandhi's assistance.

However, the DCP did not provide details regarding the case officer or the FIR number.

Outcome of the CJP-Led Protest

The agitation led by the CJP resulted in the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from his position as Union Education Minister on July 25.