Rahul Gandhi Protests Police Inaction Over Student's Pellet Gun Injury
Protest Against Police Refusal to Register FIR
Photo: @ians_india/X
New Delhi, Aug 21: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has been staging a sit-in outside the Deputy Commissioner of Police's office at Delhi's Parliament Street Police Station. This protest is in response to the police's alleged refusal to file a First Information Report (FIR) regarding a complaint from a student who reportedly sustained pellet gun injuries during protests for educational reforms at Jantar Mantar last month.
Joining him in the protest was Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
During the sit-in, Rahul Gandhi expressed his concerns to Priyanka regarding the police's stance on the alleged use of pellet guns against the students. He remarked, "The Delhi Police claims they did not fire the pellet gun. However, here is the student who was injured. Did he injure himself? We need to file an FIR for this incident."
In statements to the media, Rahul Gandhi criticized the police for directing them from one station to another without taking action on the complaint. He stated, "They are just sending us around. We refuse to leave until an FIR is filed. It is essential that this FIR is registered."
He further elaborated, "On July 20, pellet guns were used at Connaught Place. The AIIMS report indicates that over 200 pellets are lodged in the victim's body, with three in his eye, resulting in loss of vision. There are also pellets near his heart that cannot be removed. The Delhi Police insists they did not fire these weapons, which raises a critical question: who did?"
Rahul Gandhi asserted, "A crime has occurred. We demand that an FIR be filed. We were informed that orders from higher authorities prevent them from doing so. We will not leave until justice is served for this family. The Home Ministry and Delhi Police are obstructing justice in this case," he claimed.
On social media platform 'X', he shared, "Today, I visited the DCP office to file an FIR regarding the police brutality faced by Sahil Lochab. On July 20, Sahil was attacked with a pellet gun while peacefully protesting at Jantar Mantar, resulting in severe injuries and risk to his vision."
He emphasized that such violence against peaceful protesters is not only illegal but constitutes a serious crime. He criticized both the Home Minister Amit Shah and the Prime Minister for failing to address the students' grievances.
Rahul Gandhi vowed that accountability would be pursued for those responsible, stating, "When Sahil seeks to file an FIR for justice, even that is being obstructed. This is a violation of constitutional rights. Amit Shah, why are you afraid of justice? This fear indicates your acknowledgment of wrongdoing. An FIR will be filed, a judicial inquiry will be conducted, and those responsible will face consequences. We will ensure justice for Sahil and all other affected students."