Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, staged a sit-in demonstration outside the Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi. The senior Congress leader took to the streets alongside 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, demanding the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) over allegations that security forces used pellet guns during student demonstrations.
Rahul Gandhi initially visited the Mandir Marg police station before approaching the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) at Parliament Street. Following failed discussions with senior officers over filing an FIR against responsible personnel, Gandhi sat on a dharna directly outside the DCP's office.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy stems from a student protest march to Parliament held on July 20, organized to demonstrate against paper leaks and exam irregularities. During the agitation, security forces deployed crowd-control measures.
Sahil Lochab, a resident of Najafgarh, suffered serious pellet injuries to his right eye and abdomen during the clash. He subsequently underwent surgery at the AIIMS Trauma Centre, though metal fragments remain lodged near his vital organs.
Congress representatives stated that Lochab filed an official written complaint on August 14 and pursued it again via email on August 17. However, Delhi Police allegedly refused to issue an acknowledgment, assign an Investigating Officer (IO), or register an FIR for the cognizable offense.
Rahul Gandhi's Demands and Political Escalation
While holding up a small box containing extracted pellets during his protest, Gandhi directly questioned the authorities on the source of the ammunition:
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Demand for Accountability: Gandhi demanded to know who authorized the use of lethal or semi-lethal weapons on peaceful student protesters.
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Direct Allegations: He claimed police officials admitted off-camera that orders from higher authorities barred them from registering an FIR against the security forces.
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Refusal to Back Down: The Congress leader announced that neither he nor the victim would leave the site until an official case was registered against those responsible.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior party leaders quickly joined the sit-in. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were deployed around the police station as security was heightened.
Police Response and Inquiry Status
Delhi Police officials maintained that an umbrella FIR regarding the July 20 protest events had already been registered and is currently under investigation. Additionally, reports surfaced citing police diary entries which noted that Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel fired plastic pellets to disperse the crowds. The Supreme Court of India has also established a high-powered committee led by a former Supreme Court judge to investigate claims of police excess during the student agitation.
