Hospital records obtained via RTI by TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale confirm that 10 individuals suffered pellet injuries during the July 20 stir, contradicting initial reports and police denials.
Key Takeaways
- RTI responses from Lady Hardinge and Safdarjung hospitals confirm 10 pellet injuries.
- Delhi Police initially denied pellet gun use, but RAF diary entries confirm firing.
- Victims include students, artists, and a journalist.
In a significant revelation, Right to Information (RTI) responses obtained by All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Saket Gokhale have confirmed that at least 10 people were injured by pellet guns during the march to Parliament on July 20.
The data reveals a stark discrepancy between official narratives and medical records. Lady Hardinge Medical College reported nine pellet-injured patients, while Safdarjung Hospital confirmed one. This brings the total to 10, double the previously reported figure of five. Among the injured are 25-year-old artist Prashant Kumar Singh, student Sahil Lochab, and a journalist.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this case highlights a critical gap in police accountability. While the Delhi Police initially denied the use of such weapons, a general diary entry at the Parliament Street police station dated July 22 explicitly mentions that the Rapid Action Force (RAF) fired two rounds from an anti-riot gun. The use of pellet guns in the heart of the national capital against unarmed civilians raises serious human rights concerns.
"The use of pellet guns should be a last resort in graded police responses, reserved only for exceptional circumstances to prevent mass casualties."
The following table provides a breakdown of the hospital admissions following the protest:
| Hospital Name | Pellet Injuries | Total Admissions (Protesters + Police) |
|---|---|---|
| Lady Hardinge Medical College | 9 | 81 (46 Protesters, 35 Police) |
| Safdarjung Hospital | 1 | 29 (4 Protesters, 25 Police) |
Mr. Gokhale has called for transparency from the Modi government, questioning why the confirmed number of victims was not released earlier. He further noted that records from AIIMS and RML Hospital are still awaited, suggesting the final count could be even higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many people were confirmed injured by pellets according to the RTI?
A: A total of 10 people were confirmed injured—9 at Lady Hardinge and 1 at Safdarjung Hospital.
Q2: Did the police admit to using pellet guns?
A: Although initially denied, an RAF general diary entry confirmed the firing of two rounds from an anti-riot gun.
