Jantar Mantar protest: Hospital records 'pellet wounds' on protester, Delhi Police deny using pellet guns
PTC Web Desk: A fresh controversy has emerged over Delhi Police action during the July 20 Jantar Mantar protest, with a government hospital recording pellet injuries on a protester, even as the force has denied using pellet guns against demonstrators.
The protest was organised as part of the ongoing agitation demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.
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According to medical records from Safdarjung Hospital, a 28-year-old protester was admitted on July 20 with injuries described as pellet wounds on his right elbow and back. The hospital's case sheet reportedly noted darkened skin around the wounds, pellet fragments lodged in the skin and tenderness at the impact sites.
The injured protester, who requested not to be identified, was brought to the hospital at around 4 pm on the day of the protest.
Delhi Police have denied allegations that pellet guns were used against protesters. In an official statement, the police said reports claiming that security personnel fired pellet guns at peaceful demonstrators were "completely false and misleading."
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is leading the protests, has accused the police of using excessive force to stop demonstrators from marching towards Parliament.
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The Rapid Action Force (RAF), a specialised anti-riot unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was deployed alongside Delhi Police during the protest. Pellet guns and shock batons are among the equipment available to RAF personnel. However, the CRPF has not issued any statement on whether pellet guns were used during the demonstration.
The issue has triggered a political confrontation. In a video message released late Thursday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would introduce a new anti-paper leak Bill in Parliament next week with stricter legal provisions.
On Friday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that the Prime Minister first apologise to students and take action against those responsible for the alleged use of force during the protest.
Kharge also reiterated the Opposition's demand for the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying action should be taken against officials who allegedly ordered the use of batons and pellet guns against students.
While the hospital records have added a new dimension to the controversy, there has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the cause of the protester's injuries.
- With inputs from agencies
