A 19-year-old Delhi University student has alleged that he sustained extensive pellet injuries during a student protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, claiming that he was struck multiple times by pellets during a confrontation with police personnel. An FIR against unidentified individuals was subsequently registered after Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi joined the student and staged a prolonged protest outside a central Delhi police station.

The student, identified as Sahil Lochab, said in his complaint that he was participating in a protest linked to concerns over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak and cheating allegations surrounding a Delhi Police recruitment examination. According to his account, the situation became tense when police resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas as protesters moved towards the Palika Bazar area.

Lochab alleged that he was carrying the national flag when he suddenly felt an impact on the right side of his face, eye and chest. He claimed that, after turning around, he saw a police personnel in a blue uniform carrying a large rifle.

According to the complaint, Lochab believes pellets fired during the incident caused his injuries. He alleged that he was hit five or six times and suffered bleeding injuries to his eye, face, chest and hand.

Student describes sequence of events

In his complaint, Lochab said he had joined the Jantar Mantar demonstration as a student and was present when the protest situation escalated. He alleged that a lathi-charge and the use of tear gas created a stampede-like situation, forcing him and other young protesters to run towards the Palika Bazar area.

He said the injuries occurred during this period of confusion. After being injured, he was reportedly helped onto a motorcycle and taken to Lok Nayak Hospital and later referred to Safdarjung Hospital and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences for further treatment.

Lochab said his injuries were subsequently documented by doctors in his medical records. He underwent surgery on his right eye on July 22 and another procedure on August 1.

The student further claimed that a CT scan revealed approximately 200 pellets lodged in different parts of his body, including his eye, neck, chest, jaw and hand. He alleged that some pellets could not be removed because of their location and that several remain inside his body.

According to his complaint, pellets lodged in his right eye could not be removed and may remain there permanently. He also claimed that doctors found pellets near his heart, making further treatment necessary.

Student says injuries have affected career plans

Lochab, who studies through Delhi University’s School of Open Learning, said the incident had affected both his education and his plans for a career in the police force.

In his complaint, he said he had worked towards joining the police but now feared that his injuries and loss of vision could prevent him from pursuing that career.

He also appealed for the preservation of CCTV recordings and drone footage from the protest area, arguing that such material could help establish what happened during the confrontation.

The allegations contained in the complaint are yet to be established through investigation. The FIR names no individual accused.

Complaint allegedly remained pending for several days

Lochab claimed that he had attempted to approach several police stations before the FIR was finally registered. He said he visited police stations in the Connaught Place, Parliament Street and Mandir Marg areas and also approached the crime branch.

According to his account, he had spent several days attempting to have his complaint formally registered but was unsuccessful.

The issue gained wider political attention when Rahul Gandhi accompanied Lochab and his mother to the police station. Gandhi subsequently began a sit-in, demanding that the police register an FIR into the alleged pellet injuries.

Rahul Gandhi stages protest outside police station

Gandhi reached the Mandir Marg police station with Lochab and his mother in the morning before moving towards Connaught Place and subsequently Parliament Street. He met senior police officials and demanded action on the student’s complaint.

The Congress leader said he would remain at the police station until an FIR was registered, arguing that an alleged criminal incident required a formal investigation and identification of those responsible.

Several Congress leaders and supporters also gathered at the location as the protest continued. Among those present were Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi and senior party leaders.

As the gathering increased, security arrangements were strengthened. Paramilitary personnel were deployed and barricades were placed around parts of the area. Access to the police station was also restricted.

FIR registered after prolonged standoff

Discussions between police officials, Gandhi and Lochab continued for several hours. The FIR was eventually registered on Friday evening following the prolonged protest.

The case was registered against unidentified persons under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Section 118 concerns voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt using dangerous weapons or means, while Section 125 deals with acts that endanger the life or personal safety of others.

The registration of the FIR means that the allegations can now be formally investigated. The police are expected to examine available evidence, including medical records, CCTV footage and other recordings from the protest site, as well as determine whether any police personnel were responsible for the injuries alleged by Lochab.

Investigation expected to establish circumstances

The case has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the use of force during the Jantar Mantar demonstration and the treatment of protesters during the confrontation.

Lochab’s complaint provides his account of the incident and contains serious allegations regarding the use of pellet-firing weapons. However, responsibility for the injuries and the circumstances in which the pellets were discharged will have to be established through the investigation.

Medical documentation, imaging reports, footage from the protest area and statements from witnesses could prove important in determining what happened.

For Lochab, the incident has become a major personal setback, with the student claiming that his injuries have affected his eyesight, physical health, education and future career plans. The FIR now provides a formal basis for investigators to examine his allegations and determine whether criminal responsibility can be established.

The development also comes amid continuing political debate over the handling of student protests and allegations of excessive use of force. The investigation into Lochab’s complaint is expected to determine the circumstances of the injuries and whether further action is warranted.