New Delhi: The Delhi Police has registered an FIR in connection with the alleged pellet injuries suffered by student protester Sahil Lochab during the July 20 demonstration at Jantar Mantar, following a prolonged protest by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament Street Police Station.
Rahul Gandhi had accompanied Sahil and his family to the police station and demanded that his complaint be formally registered. He later staged a dharna, insisting that Sahil be allowed to pursue legal action over the injuries he allegedly sustained during the police action.
The FIR was eventually registered after several hours of protest. Congress leaders have described the development as a result of sustained public and political pressure, arguing that the complaint should have been registered at the outset if a cognisable offence was alleged.
Reacting to the development, those supporting Sahil’s case said that the registration of the FIR represents an important first step towards establishing accountability and securing justice for the injured student.
The Congress has also questioned the delay in registering the case and alleged that the Delhi Police came under political pressure. These allegations, however, have not been established independently.
The development is likely to intensify the political debate over the police action during the July 20 student protest and the larger issue of accountability for alleged excessive use of force.