New Delhi: Delhi Police has registered an FIR over alleged pellet-gun injuries suffered by a 19-year-old student during a protest at Jantar Mantar, following a prolonged sit-in by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi outside the Parliament Street Police Station.
The case was registered after Gandhi accompanied injured student Sahil Lochab to the police station and demanded formal action on his complaint. Gandhi later staged a dharna outside the premises, insisting that an FIR be registered over the incident.
What Happened During the Protest?
The case relates to a July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, during which Lochab allegedly suffered serious pellet injuries.
According to reports, the student was among those injured during police action connected to the demonstration. Lochab subsequently sought the registration of an FIR regarding the circumstances in which he was injured.
Rahul Gandhi reached the Parliament Street Police Station with Lochab, his mother and legal representatives on August 21. After discussions with senior police officials, Gandhi began a sit-in outside the police station demanding that the student’s complaint be formally registered.
The protest continued for several hours and was later joined by Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other party leaders.
Student Reportedly Suffered More Than 200 Pellet Injuries
During the protest, Rahul Gandhi referred to Lochab’s medical reports and claimed that the 19-year-old had suffered more than 200 pellet injuries.
According to reports, several pellets struck the student’s eye, putting his eyesight at risk, while some pellets remained lodged in his body. Lochab has also reportedly complained of continuing problems with his vision following the incident.
The seriousness of the injuries became a central issue in Gandhi’s demand for police action.
Delhi Police Registers FIR
Following the protest, Delhi Police registered an FIR based on Lochab’s complaint.
Reports said the complaint had earlier been submitted to police, while Gandhi and Congress leaders questioned why a formal case had not been registered sooner.
The FIR now formally brings the student’s allegations under investigation. The registration of a case does not itself establish responsibility, and the allegations will be subject to investigation by the authorities.
Rahul Gandhi described the filing of the FIR as an initial step towards justice while continuing to question the handling of the complaint.
Incident Sparks Political Debate
The episode has also triggered a political confrontation.
Congress leaders have raised questions over the alleged use of excessive force against protesters and the delay in registering the complaint.
The BJP, meanwhile, criticised Rahul Gandhi’s protest and accused him of using the dharna for political purposes, illustrating the widening political dispute surrounding the incident.
The controversy is likely to keep attention focused on crowd-control measures used during demonstrations, accountability in cases involving injuries to protesters and the procedures followed by police when receiving complaints.
With an FIR now registered, attention will shift to the investigation and whether authorities are able to establish exactly how Lochab suffered his injuries and who, if anyone, can be held responsible.
Source – The Indian Express
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