Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking accountability for what he described as the “barbaric assault” on students during the July 20 protest in Delhi, questioning whether the use of pellet guns against protesters was officially authorised.
In the letter dated July 25, Gandhi alleged that security forces used “indiscriminate force”, including pellet guns and tear gas, against students who were peacefully protesting over the NEET paper leak issue. He claimed that hundreds were injured and alleged that some women protesters were assaulted by police personnel.
Referring to 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, whom he met on Friday, Gandhi said the student had suffered severe eye injuries after allegedly being struck by pellets and could lose vision in one eye. He asked Amit Shah whether, as Home Minister, he had approved the use of “lethal force”, including pellet guns, against students, and if not, who had authorised it.
Gandhi also questioned the presence of plainclothes individuals seen allegedly beating protesters with lathis, asking whether they were police personnel or volunteers and who had sanctioned their deployment.
The Congress leader said peaceful protest is fundamental to democracy and urged the government to engage with students through dialogue rather than force. He also demanded action against those responsible for the alleged assault on protesters.
Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns during the July 20 crackdown. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), whose Rapid Action Force personnel were also deployed, has not publicly responded to allegations regarding the alleged use of pellet guns.
