Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding accountability for what he described as a "barbaric assault" on students protesting at Jantar Mantar, questioning the Delhi Police's use of pellet guns and other force against peaceful demonstrators. Gandhi alleged that hundreds of students sustained serious injuries, with specific mention of a journalist and a 19-year-old student who may lose an eye due to pellet gunshots. He questioned whether Amit Shah authorized the use of lethal force and emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a democracy, criticizing the government's response of violence over dialogue. The protests themselves had turned violent when police dispersed a "Sansad Chalo" march, resulting in injuries to both protesters and police personnel.

Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding accountability for what he described as a "barbaric assault" on students protesting at Jantar Mantar, questioning the Delhi Police's use of pellet guns and other force against peaceful demonstrators. Gandhi alleged that hundreds of students sustained serious injuries, with specific mention of a journalist and a 19-year-old student who may lose an eye due to pellet gunshots. He questioned whether Amit Shah authorized the use of lethal force and emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a democracy, criticizing the government's response of violence over dialogue. The protests themselves had turned violent when police dispersed a "Sansad Chalo" march, resulting in injuries to both protesters and police personnel.

Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding accountability for what he described as a "barbaric assault" on students protesting at Jantar Mantar, questioning the Delhi Police's use of pellet guns and other force against peaceful demonstrators. Gandhi alleged that hundreds of students sustained serious injuries, with specific mention of a journalist and a 19-year-old student who may lose an eye due to pellet gunshots. He questioned whether Amit Shah authorized the use of lethal force and emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a democracy, criticizing the government's response of violence over dialogue. The protests themselves had turned violent when police dispersed a "Sansad Chalo" march, resulting in injuries to both protesters and police personnel.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability for what he described as the "barbaric assault" on students during the protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20.

In the letter, Gandhi questioned the use of pellet guns and other force by the Delhi Police against what he called peaceful protesters.

"Who gave the order to kill the students?" Gandhi asked while sharing the letter on X.

He alleged that the students were demanding a fair and accountable education system but, instead of being heard, were met with indiscriminate force, including pellet guns and tear gas.

Gandhi claimed that hundreds of students sustained serious injuries during the police action and accused personnel of deliberately assaulting women protesters, including targeting their private parts.

"Most shocking has been the use of lethal pellet guns. Reports in the media and social media clearly show people who have suffered grave injuries, including a journalist. I met 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, who is now in severe pain and is likely to lose an eye because he was shot with pellet guns," he wrote.

Pointing out that the Delhi Police functions under the Union Home Ministry, Gandhi questioned whether Amit Shah had authorised the use of pellet guns against the students.

"If not, who did? Are the people in plain clothes seen beating students with lathis police personnel or volunteers? Who authorised their deployment?" he asked.

Gandhi asserted that the right to peaceful protest is fundamental to a democracy and said it was the government's responsibility to protect demonstrators and address their grievances through dialogue rather than force.

"Such brutal violence destroys every norm and has outraged the country. Youth and students, the future of our country, are demanding answers and accountability. Their voice will be heard," he added.

The protests at Jantar Mantar turned violent after police stopped a "Sansad Chalo" march and used batons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The clashes left several protesters and police personnel injured.

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