# Delhi protest pellet gun injury investigations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/delhi-protest-pellet-gun-injury-investigations
> Updated: 2026-08-21T07:03:58.000Z. Sources: 47. Developments: 2.

Following the “Sansad Chalo” march in Delhi on June 20, an internal review of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) revealed that force gradients used during the demonstration did not meet standards. The review noted inadequate personnel briefing and the presence of unprotected officers. During the protests, several individuals sustained injuries from pellet guns, leading to medical concerns regarding the severity of such wounds and debates over whether pellet guns should be classified as less-lethal weapons.

While the Delhi Police initially denied possessing pellet guns, the situation escalated following a protest by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi demanded justice for 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, who reportedly suffered vision loss after being hit by over 200 pellets. Medical reports from AIIMS indicate that Lochab has pellets lodged in his body, including near his heart and in his eye.

Gandhi alleged that police officers initially refused to file a complaint, claiming orders from higher authorities to withhold the FIR, and suggested political pressure from Union Home Minister Amit Shah caused the delay. Following an eight-hour sit-in protest by Gandhi at the Parliament Street police station, Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unknown persons under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing hurt with dangerous weapons and endangering personal safety. Gandhi described the registration of the FIR as “the first step towards justice” for Lochab. The Delhi Police stated that investigations into the July 20 incidents are being handled by the Crime Branch. In response to allegations of excessive force during student protests, the Supreme Court has established a five-member High-Powered Inquiry Committee (HPEC) to investigate the actions of security forces.

## Claims

- Delhi Police has denied the use of pellet guns during the protests. (disputed by 10 sources)
- Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel used pellet guns during the July 20 protest march. (disputed by 5 sources)
- Rahul Gandhi staged a sit-in (dharna) at the Parliament Street police station to demand the registration of an FIR. (corroborated by 36 sources)
- Student Sahil Lochab sustained injuries, including eye damage, allegedly from pellet guns during the July 20 protest. (corroborated by 32 sources)
- Medical reports indicate Sahil Lochab has over 200 pellets in his body, including three in his eye. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Delhi Police registered an FIR on Sahil Lochab’s complaint following Rahul Gandhi’s sit-in protest. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Rahul Gandhi alleged that police were prevented from filing the FIR due to orders from higher authorities. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- The Supreme Court formed a five-member high-level inquiry committee to investigate the July 20 protest violence. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The FIR was registered under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah is directly responsible for the violence against students. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- BJP leaders accused Rahul Gandhi of using the protest as a political stunt and practicing anarchy. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Union Minister JP Nadda accused Rahul Gandhi of engaging in attention-seeking politics during his sit-in. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Delhi Police registers FIR in pellet gun injury case after Rahul Gandhi protest

Delhi Police registered an FIR against unknown persons regarding pellet gun injuries suffered by student Sahil Lochab. The move follows an eight-hour sit-in by Rahul Gandhi demanding justice for the July 20th's

47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rahul-gandhi-protests-at-police-station-over-alleged-pellet-gun-use-against-student

### 2026-07-25: Delhi protests expose RAF pellet‑gun injuries and operational flaws

An RAF review after the June 20 Delhi protest found briefing failures and substandard force use, with three pellet‑gun injuries sparking medical and policy concerns.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-protests-expose-raf-pelletgun-injuries-and-operational-flaws

---
Cite as: Delhi protest pellet gun injury investigations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/delhi-protest-pellet-gun-injury-investigations