Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday, wrote to Union home minister Amit Shah, seeking answers to the police crackdown on student protestors on July 20. In a letter to Shah, the Congress MP has sought accountability and clarity regarding the orders issued to disperse protestors part of the Chalo Sansad march using lathis, tear gas and pellet guns.
Event Context
Calling the crackdown a “barbaric assault” on students and peaceful protestors, Gandhi stated that hundreds suffered serious injuries and highlighted the sexual assault many female protestors also faced at the hands of the police.
“Our students were demanding a fair and accountable education system. Instead of being heard, security forces assaulted them with indiscriminate force, including lethal weapons and tear gas. Hundreds have suffered serious injuries. Women students have been assaulted by policemen, including by deliberately targeting their private parts,” he wrote.
The Congress leader also stated the use of pellet guns was “most shocking.”
“Reports in the media and social media clearly show people who have suffered grave injuries, including a journalist. I met 19-year old student Sahil Lochab, who is now in severe pain is likely to lose an eye because he was shot with pellet guns,” he added.
Also Read | CRPF headquarters seeks report on pellet gun use in CJP protest
Gandhi sought for answers from Amit Shah as the deployment of security in the national capital falls under the home ministry. In his letter, the Congress MP asked two questions –
The Cockroach Janta Party called for a march to the parliament on July 20, which also marked the start of the monsoon session. However, as thousands of protestors marched towards the Parliament building, they were met with a violent crackdown by the Delhi Police, Rapid Action Force and CRPF personnel.
Police resorted to lathi-charge, multiple rounds of tear gas and smoke bombs and the use of pellet guns was also recorded.
The Delhi Police and security personnel stated that the crackdown was in response to stone pelting from the protestors, however, several media reports highlighted the the protest march remains peaceful.
Match Outlook
“Such brutal violence destroys every norm, and has outraged the country. Youth and students, the future of our country, are demanding answers and accountability. Their voice will be heard,” Gandhi added in his letter.
