Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written to Home Minister Amit Shah, condemning the use of lethal pellet guns and brute force against protesting students in Delhi. He has demanded immediate accountability and an apology from PM Modi.

Key Takeaways

  • Rahul Gandhi termed the police action against students as 'barbaric'.
  • He questioned Home Minister Amit Shah on the authorization of lethal pellet guns.
  • Serious allegations of assault on female students and use of excessive force.
  • The protest was centered around demands for a fair education system and NEET paper leak accountability.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has escalated his criticism of the central government by writing a formal letter to Home Minister Amit Shah. In the letter, Gandhi demanded accountability for what he described as a "barbaric assault" on students who were peacefully protesting in Delhi on July 20, 2026.

Gandhi highlighted the use of lethal weapons, specifically pellet guns and tear gas, against youth demanding a fair education system. He expressed deep concern over the injuries sustained by protesters, including a 19-year-old student, Sahil Lochab, who faces the potential loss of an eye due to pellet injuries. Furthermore, he raised harrowing allegations regarding the physical assault of female students by security personnel.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident marks a significant escalation in the tension between student movements and state security apparatuses. The use of pellet guns—traditionally a controversial crowd-control measure—against students demanding educational reforms poses a critical question regarding the limits of state force in a democratic society.

"Peaceful protest is crucial to any democracy, and the use of lethal force against the nation's youth destroys every democratic norm."

The Leader of Opposition specifically questioned the presence of individuals in plain clothes who were seen using batons (lathis) on students. He asked whether these individuals were official police personnel or unauthorized volunteers, and who authorized their deployment during the march towards Parliament.

Historical Background

The agitation was spearheaded by the CJP platform, which evolved from a satirical campaign into a nationwide movement following the NEET paper leak controversy. The movement gained massive national traction after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protests with an indefinite fast in late June.

Did You Know?: Pellet guns fire small metal pellets designed to disperse crowds, but they are frequently criticized by human rights groups for causing permanent blindness and severe injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What were the students protesting for?
The students were demanding an end to paper leaks and a more accountable and fair education system in India.

2. What specific questions did Rahul Gandhi pose to Amit Shah?
He asked if the Home Minister approved the use of lethal force/pellet guns and who authorized the deployment of personnel in plain clothes.