Delhi Parliament March: RTI Reveals 10 Protesters Injured by Pellet Gun Fire
Hospital records reportedly confirm pellet injuries among protesters during the July 20 demonstration, raising fresh questions over the police response.
A Right to Information response has reportedly revealed that at least 10 people suffered pellet or projectile injuries during a youth protest march towards Parliament in New Delhi on July 20.
The protest was organised over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and concerns surrounding the education system. The revelation has raised fresh questions about the police action during the demonstration, particularly after earlier reports that authorities had denied using pellet guns.
The RTI response reportedly includes information from two major hospitals in Delhi. Lady Hardinge Medical College stated that nine people with pellet or projectile related injuries were brought to the hospital following the protest. Safdarjung Hospital also confirmed treating one person who had sustained serious pellet injuries.
Among those reportedly injured were Sheikh Irshad Mansuri, Prashant Kumar Singh and Sahil Lochab. Some of the injured are said to have suffered pellet wounds to the face, neck and eyes and required surgical treatment.
TMC leader and Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale, who filed the RTI applications, said responses from AIIMS and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital are still awaited. He said the total number of injured persons could therefore increase.
The development has also intensified criticism of the police response. Following the protest, Delhi Police had reportedly denied allegations that pellet guns were used against demonstrators. However, a General Diary entry of the Rapid Action Force, a unit of the Central Reserve Police Force, reportedly mentioned the firing of two rounds of pellets on the orders of a senior Delhi Police officer.
Gokhale later shared hospital documents on social media and questioned the government’s handling of the incident. He alleged that the use of pellet guns against unarmed protesters and subsequent denial of the action raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability.
Opposition parties have demanded an explanation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged use of force during the protest and have called for accountability regarding the actions of the security personnel.
Meanwhile, two protesters who were reportedly injured by pellets have approached the Supreme Court seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns during demonstrations.
The incident has also renewed debate over the use of force during civilian protests. Rights advocates have raised concerns about whether the use of weapons capable of causing serious or permanent injuries is compatible with the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The reported hospital records and pending RTI responses are now expected to bring further clarity on the extent of injuries and the circumstances surrounding the alleged use of pellet guns during the Parliament march.