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Delhi protest pellet gun injury investigations

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2026-08-22 18:23 UTC → 2026-08-23 05:43 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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