New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability over what he described as the “barbaric assault” on students during the July 20 protest in Delhi. In a letter dated July 25, Gandhi alleged that students demonstrating peacefully were subjected to excessive force by police personnel and sought answers on who authorised the action.
छात्रों को मारने का आदेश किसने दिया? pic.twitter.com/NDwfka1UqO
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 26, 2026
Sharing the letter on X, Gandhi questioned, “Who gave the order to kill the students?” He also posted a copy of the letter addressed to the Home Minister, raising concerns over the alleged use of pellet guns, tear gas, water cannons and lathi charge during the police crackdown.
Rahul Gandhi Alleges Excessive Force Against Student Protesters
In his letter, Gandhi said the students were protesting for a fair and accountable education system when they were met with what he termed “indiscriminate force”. He alleged that tear gas, water cannons, lathi charge and pellet guns were used against protesters, leaving several students seriously injured.
The Congress leader also accused police personnel of assaulting women students, alleging that some were deliberately targeted inappropriately during the crackdown. He said such actions were unacceptable in a democracy, where peaceful protests should be protected rather than suppressed.
Referring to media reports and videos circulating on social media, Gandhi highlighted the case of 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, who he claimed is in severe pain and may lose an eye after allegedly being hit by pellet gun fire. He said the incident raised serious questions about the level of force used against students.
Seeks Answers on Pellet Guns and Plainclothes Personnel
In the letter, Gandhi sought answers to two key questions from the Union Home Minister:
- Who approved the use of what he described as “lethal force”, including pellet guns, against students?
- Who authorised the deployment of plainclothes personnel who were allegedly seen beating students alongside police officers, and under whose orders were they acting?
Calling peaceful protest a cornerstone of democracy, Gandhi said it is the government’s responsibility to protect protesters while addressing their concerns through dialogue. He argued that the alleged use of force had not only caused injuries but had also deepened anger among the country’s youth.
“The future of our country is demanding answers and accountability. Their voice will be heard,” Gandhi wrote, urging Amit Shah to ensure that those responsible for the alleged assault are held accountable.
The letter comes amid continued political criticism over the police response to the July 20 student protest, with the Congress demanding transparency and an investigation into the alleged use of force against demonstrators.