Title: Use of Pellet Guns in Recent Delhi Protest Under Scrutiny
Last week, supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) faced serious injuries during a protest in New Delhi. Independent experts told the BBC that some of these injuries may have come from pellet guns.
On July 20, a massive protest took place in central Delhi, where thousands marched to demand education reforms and the resignation of the education minister. Tensions escalated as police and paramilitary forces used sticks and tear gas against the crowd. Official reports indicated that around 60 protesters and 118 police officers were injured, but CJP claims the actual number of injured protesters is much higher.
Despite the rising concerns, the government has not confirmed reports of pellet guns being used. However, the BBC has identified at least four individuals who have been treated for injuries consistent with pellet gun wounds.
Pellet guns, which are typically used in bird hunting, fire small metal pellets that can spread out over a wide area when discharged. This makes them dangerous in crowd situations. Many countries have banned or limited the use of such weapons due to their potential to cause serious harm.
Two injured men shared their experiences with the BBC. Medical experts analyzed photos of their injuries and confirmed they were consistent with those produced by pellet guns. A senior hospital official noted that one victim had over 40 pellets in his body, including some embedded deep within tissues.
For instance, Mohit (name changed), a 28-year-old journalist, recounted a frightening experience. As he turned to run from police, he felt a burning on his arm and back. At the hospital, doctors found multiple small pellets lodged in his skin. Although he did not have life-threatening injuries, he worried about the long-term effects.
Another victim, Shaikh Irshad Mansoori, was struck in the face during the protest. While he initially received treatment for his injuries, doctors informed him that some pellets could not be safely removed and would remain in his body.
The Indian media has indicated that the shots were fired by the Rapid Action Force (RAF), part of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Although the Delhi Police denied the use of pellet guns in the protests, confusion remains about what actually happened on the ground.
Government officials have stated that only tear gas was used, with Minister Jitendra Singh denying any claims of bullets being fired. This topic has become contentious, drawing attention from politicians, including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who is calling for accountability.
One young protester, Sahil Lochab, shared his experience of being shot in the eye during the chaos. He has sustained severe injuries and is currently facing the possibility of losing his sight. Despite warnings from his family, Sahil felt compelled to join the protest, driven by a desire for justice regarding recent scandals in the examination system.
As the situation develops, many are left seeking answers and accountability for the injuries sustained during this tumultuous event.
