Rahul Gandhi Protests At DCP Office: Demands FIR Over Pellet Gun Use, Priyanka Joins

In a significant political development in the national capital, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, reached the Sansad Marg Police Station in Delhi on Friday. His arrival was marked by a stern demand for the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the alleged use of pellet guns by the police during a student demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Accompanying him was Sahil, a young man who was reportedly injured by pellet guns during the protest, along with Sahil's mother, while the situation escalated when the police initially refused to file the FIR, leading Rahul Gandhi to sit on a dharna right outside the police station. Shortly after, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also joined the protest to show solidarity and press for justice.

The Demand for Accountability

Rahul Gandhi has been consistently raising allegations regarding the use of pellet guns against students during their protest at Jantar Mantar. He arrived at the Sansad Marg Police Station with the specific intent of ensuring that a case is registered and a thorough investigation is conducted into the matter. Despite his persistence, the police didn't immediately register the FIR as requested, while this refusal prompted the Congress leader to take a firm stand, stating that he wouldn't leave until a formal case was filed against the officers responsible for the alleged firing. The presence of the victim, Sahil, and his mother added a poignant layer to the protest, as they sought accountability for the injuries sustained during the demonstration.

Police Response and Official Dialogue

As the protest continued outside the DCP office in New Delhi, senior police officials engaged in discussions with Rahul Gandhi, while among those who spoke with him were Nupur Prasad, the Joint Commissioner of Police for New Delhi, and DCP Sachin Sharma. During these discussions, the Delhi Police clarified their position regarding the ongoing investigations. According to the police, all cases registered in connection with the events of July 20 have been transferred to the Crime Branch for a detailed probe. They informed the complainant and Rahul Gandhi that the current complaint has been accepted and will also be forwarded to the Crime Branch. The police further stated that an Investigating Officer (IO) has already been assigned to look into the matter.

Background of the Pellet Gun Allegations

The controversy dates back to July 20, when students organized a march toward Parliament in Delhi. During this demonstration, a lathi charge occurred as police attempted to manage the crowd. It was during this period that allegations surfaced regarding the use of pellet guns. Rahul Gandhi had previously held a press conference where he presented Sahil, the injured student, as evidence of the police's actions. Sahil has maintained that he was hit by pellet guns during the protest. However, the Delhi Police have consistently denied these claims, asserting that no pellet guns were used during the dispersal of the protesters. Despite the police's denial, Rahul Gandhi remains adamant that the evidence is clear and that those responsible must face legal action.

Escalation of the Protest

Before arriving at the Sansad Marg Police Station, Rahul Gandhi had first visited the Mandir Marg Police Station to request the registration of the case, while when his request wasn't met there, he proceeded to meet with the DCP Central. The protest outside the DCP office has now become a focal point of political tension, with Rahul Gandhi making it clear that he will continue to press for justice until a formal FIR is recorded, while the involvement of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has further intensified the demonstration, as the Congress leadership collectively demands a transparent investigation into the alleged use of force against student protesters. The police maintain that the legal process is being followed through the Crime Branch, but the protesters insist on a specific FIR against the personnel involved in the alleged pellet gun firing.