Delhi Police Files FIR in Pellet Gun Case After Rahul Gandhi’s Sit-In
The Delhi Police have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the alleged firing of pellet guns at a 19-year-old student during a July protest, following a high-profile sit-in led by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi outside the Parliament Street Police Station on Friday.
Delhi Police has registered an FIR over the alleged pellet-gun injuries suffered by 19-year-old protester Sahil Lochab during a July 20 demonstration in the national capital, sources said on Friday. The development came after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi staged a sit-in outside the Parliament Street Police Station, demanding that Lochab’s complaint be formally registered.
Gandhi had arrived at the police station with Lochab and his mother after earlier seeking action on the complaint. He said he would not leave until an FIR was registered. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other party leaders also joined the protest. Rahul Gandhi Stages Sit-In at Parliament Street Police Station, Seeks FIR Over Police Action During CJP Student Protest.
FIR Registered After Protest
The FIR was filed after Gandhi’s sit-in, according to sources cited by NDTV. The complaint relates specifically to the alleged pellet injuries suffered by Lochab during the July 20 protest. The development marks a change from the position earlier communicated by Delhi Police, which had said that complaints connected with the July 20 protest were already being examined and that Lochab’s complaint would be forwarded to the Crime Branch for investigation.
What Happened to Sahil Lochab?
Lochab, a 19-year-old protester, was allegedly injured during the July 20 demonstration. He sustained pellet injuries, including injuries to his eye and abdomen, and subsequently underwent treatment and surgery at the AIIMS Trauma Centre. Rahul Gandhi Joins Pellet-Injured CJP Protester at Delhi DCP Office, Demands FIR Over Police Action.
Gandhi has cited Lochab’s medical records while questioning the police’s position regarding the alleged use of pellet guns. He has demanded that the authorities establish who used the weapon and who authorised its use.
The allegations regarding the use of pellet guns remain a matter for investigation. Delhi Police has previously disputed claims that its personnel used pellet guns during the protest.
Rahul Gandhi’s Sit-In
Gandhi first accompanied Lochab to a police station to seek registration of the complaint and later went to the Parliament Street Police Station, where he met the New Delhi district DCP.
After the issue was not resolved immediately, Gandhi sat on a dharna outside the police station. He said the demand was limited to registration of an FIR and identification of the investigating officer.
The Congress leader also accused the authorities of failing to act on Lochab’s complaint, while calling for accountability over the alleged use of excessive force against protesters.
Police Had Earlier Cited Crime Branch Probe
Before the FIR was registered, Delhi Police had said that the Crime Branch was already investigating complaints related to the July 20 protest. Officials indicated that Lochab’s complaint would also be sent to the Crime Branch for examination.
According to the Congress, Lochab and his lawyers had submitted a written complaint on August 14 but had not received an acknowledgement or an investigating-officer number. The party said follow-ups were made on August 17.
July 20 Protest Under Investigation
The dispute stems from a July 20 demonstration in Delhi over alleged irregularities linked to the NEET examination. Claims that pellet guns were used during police action have since become a major political issue.
The matter has also reached the courts. Earlier proceedings included directions concerning medical treatment for those who suffered pellet injuries and preservation of relevant CCTV footage and arms-related data.
With the FIR now registered, investigators will have to establish the circumstances in which Lochab was injured, identify the weapon involved and determine responsibility based on medical, forensic and other available evidence.
Political Dispute Intensifies
The FIR follows a day of political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP over Gandhi’s protest. The BJP has criticised Gandhi’s sit-in, accusing him of politicising the issue, while the Congress has maintained that the FIR is necessary to ensure accountability for the alleged injuries suffered by the protesters.
The investigation will now determine the facts surrounding the alleged pellet-gun firing and whether any individual or security personnel can be held responsible.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 21, 2026 06:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
