Youth Protest in Delhi Results in Pellet Injuries, RTI Reveals Disturbing Details

In a troubling incident during a youth protest march towards Parliament on July 20, ten individuals sustained injuries from pellet guns, according to a response obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act by Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale. This revelation sheds light on a controversial use of force by law enforcement in the capital, raising serious concerns regarding the treatment of protesters.

Gokhale shared an RTI response from Lady Hardinge Medical College, which confirmed that nine of the injured were treated at their facility for injuries caused by “pellet/projectile” impacts. Additionally, Safdarjung Hospital reported receiving one further case of pellet injury on the same day. This protest was primarily aimed at voicing grievances over alleged mismanagement in competitive examinations, an issue that has sparked widespread unrest among the youth.

The Delhi Police initially refuted allegations of using pellet guns against demonstrators. However, reports surfaced following an entry in the general diary of the Rapid Action Force, part of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), indicating that pellet guns were indeed employed at the directive of a Delhi Police officer. This incident marks a stark departure from standard policing tactics in the region, as it is reportedly the first instance of pellet guns being deployed against unarmed protesters in Delhi.

Among those injured, two individuals, Prashant Kumar Singh and Sheikh Irshad Mansoor, have taken their fight for justice to the Supreme Court, petitioning for a ban on the use of pellet guns as a means of crowd control. Their legal action highlights a growing concern about the methods used by law enforcement to manage public dissent, particularly against a backdrop of increasing frustration over government policies and transparency.

Gokhale, in his recent social media update, stated that he is still awaiting responses from other major medical institutions, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, regarding the treatment of additional injured protestors. As the situation evolves, many are watching closely to see how the government will respond to calls for reform in the handling of public protests and the use of potentially harmful crowd control measures.

Source: scroll.in