Rahul Gandhi Stages Dharna Outside Delhi Police Station, Demands FIR in Sahil Lochab Pellet Gun Case

August 21, 2026

New Delhi: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday reached the Parliament Street Police Station and met senior Delhi Police officials, seeking the registration of a complaint over the alleged use of excessive force against student protesters during a July 20 demonstration over NEET irregularities, sources said.

Gandhi was accompanied by Sahil Lochab, a student who allegedly suffered a pellet injury during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led ‘Sansad Chalo’ march demanding the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Rahul Gandhi Seeks FIR Over Alleged Police Action

The Congress leader had earlier visited the Mandir Marg Police Station and sought the registration of a case regarding the alleged police action against protesters, including the reported use of pellet guns.

After police allegedly declined to register the complaint, Gandhi met the DCP (Central) before proceeding to Parliament Street Police Station, where he held discussions with senior police officials.

According to sources, Gandhi made it clear that he would remain at the police station and continue pressing for the registration of the case until his complaint was formally accepted.

Pellet Gun Use Remains at Centre of Dispute

The Congress has alleged that Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel used pellet guns during the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest after several protesters were reported injured in the days that followed.

Delhi Police, however, has repeatedly denied the use of pellet guns during the protest. The CRPF has not publicly commented on the allegations.

Meanwhile, accounts from injured protesters, medical reports and an investigation by India Today have raised questions over the claim that pellet guns were not used during the July 20 demonstration.

Rahul Gandhi Holds Amit Shah Responsible

Rahul Gandhi had earlier accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of being directly responsible for the alleged use of excessive force against student protesters.

“We hold Amit Shah directly responsible for the violence that has taken place against our students. He authorised the shooting of our students. He authorised the use of lethal weapons, including pellet guns, against our students. For us, this is a fundamental issue. We will not accept our own forces shooting at the future of India,” Gandhi had said.

The Congress continues to demand a formal investigation into the alleged use of excessive force during the protest and accountability for those responsible.