Rahul Gandhi Presents Pellet as Evidence, Seeks Accountability Over Delhi Protest Injury

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday presented what he described as evidence in connection with the alleged use of pellet guns during a protest in Delhi. Speaking to the media, Gandhi displayed a pellet and claimed that it was recovered from the body of a student who was allegedly injured during a protest on July 20.

The statement came after an eight-hour sit-in protest by Rahul Gandhi and several Congress leaders at the Parliament Street police station. The demonstration was held to demand registration of an FIR concerning injuries allegedly suffered by a student identified as Lochab during a protest at Connaught Place on July 20.

What Rahul Gandhi claimed

Rahul Gandhi referred to the medical reports concerning Lochab and claimed that more than 200 pellets were found inside the student's body, including three in his eye. He further claimed that the student had suffered serious damage to his vision and that some pellets were located near his heart.

Gandhi questioned why an FIR had allegedly not been registered earlier despite the reported injuries. He called for an investigation to establish how the injuries occurred and who was responsible.

The medical findings and other allegations will need to be established through the relevant records and the ongoing investigation.

FIR registered

Following the protest, Delhi Police registered an FIR on Friday evening under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to reports.

The case will now be investigated by the police, including the circumstances surrounding the alleged injuries and the use of force during the protest.

The student, Lochab, thanked Rahul Gandhi for supporting his demand for an FIR. He had earlier claimed that he underwent treatment at AIIMS following the incident but continued to experience problems with his vision.

Political reactions

The development has drawn reactions from political leaders. BJP leaders criticised Rahul Gandhi's protest and questioned his approach as Leader of Opposition.

Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy, meanwhile, praised Gandhi for raising the issue concerning the protesting students and described the registration of the FIR as significant.

Congress MP Pawan Khera also criticised the government's handling of the matter and raised broader questions about accountability.

Background: July 20 protest

The incident dates back to July 20, when students held a protest at Connaught Place in Delhi. Several protesters were reportedly injured during the police action.

Lochab alleged that pellet guns were used and that multiple pellets entered his body. Delhi Police had earlier denied using pellet guns, while subsequent reports referred to police diary entries that allegedly indicated the firing of pellet guns.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged use of the weapon remain subject to investigation and verification.

What happens next

The FIR will allow investigators to examine the circumstances of the incident, including who allegedly fired the weapon, whether the use of force was proportionate and whether established procedures were followed.

For Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, the registration of the FIR has been presented as an important step towards accountability. The investigation will now determine the facts and responsibility based on evidence and official records.