Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that pellet guns were used during the police action against student protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, displaying the injuries of a student during a media interaction to support his claim.
The allegations come amid continuing protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and examination-related issues, as well as an ongoing debate over the use of force during the 'Sansad Chalo' march.
Speaking to reporters, Gandhi presented a student who he claimed had suffered injuries during the protest.
According to Gandhi, the student was carrying the Indian national flag and participating in a peaceful demonstration when he was allegedly struck by pellets.
Showing the student's injuries, Gandhi alleged that the youth had lost vision in one eye.
He also accused the government of using excessive force against students protesting over examination-related issues.
Thousands of students participated in the 'Sansad Chalo' march in Delhi earlier this week, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and reforms in the examination system.
As protesters attempted to march towards Parliament, security personnel used tear gas and lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.
Student groups have alleged excessive use of force, while Delhi Police has maintained that the crowd became violent after ignoring repeated warnings.
According to reports, medico-legal case (MLC) records of some protesters documented injuries described as suspected gunshot or pellet-related wounds.
One MLC issued by Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital reportedly referred to a protester having a "suspected gunshot injury," while another issued by Safdarjung Hospital noted "pellet injury marks" on a reporter.
The medical reports document the nature of the injuries but do not identify who fired the projectiles or the circumstances in which they were sustained.
Delhi Police has officially denied using pellet guns or rubber bullets during the protest.
However, a senior police official was quoted as saying that the Rapid Action Force (RAF), a specialised unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), carries anti-riot equipment that includes pellet guns, though the official declined to comment on whether they were used during the demonstration.
The CRPF has not officially confirmed or denied the use of pellet guns. A senior CRPF official, speaking anonymously, said the RAF is equipped with anti-riot gear, including pellet guns, but did not state whether they were deployed during the protest.
The allegations over the use of force during the Jantar Mantar protests remain under political and legal scrutiny. While opposition leaders and protesters have alleged the use of pellet guns and excessive force, Delhi Police has denied using such weapons. No official inquiry has yet established whether pellet guns were used during the protests, and the matter continues to be the subject of public debate and legal proceedings.
Sources: Hindustan Times