Rahul Gandhi Seeks Accountability from Amit Shah Over Force Used on Student Protesters
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has written to Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability for the alleged excessive use of force against students during a peaceful protest in Delhi on July 20, 2026. In his letter dated July 25, Gandhi questioned whether Shah approved the use of "lethal force", including pellet guns, and sought details about the deployment of personnel in plain clothes.
Gandhi's letter comes after several students were injured during a protest organised by the 'Citizens for Justice and Peace' (CJP) — a platform that began as a satirical online campaign in May 2026 before evolving into a nationwide movement demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak. The protest had been ongoing at Jantar Mantar since June 20 and gained momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined an indefinite fast on June 28, which he ended on July 24 following the Centre's outreach.
In his letter, Gandhi stated: "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." He cited reports of serious injuries, including to women protesters, and met a 19-year-old student, Sahil Lochab, who he said may lose an eye after being hit by pellet gun pellets.
Gandhi demanded answers: "As Home Minister, did you approve the use of lethal force, including pellet guns, against students? If not, who did?" He also asked whether the individuals in plain clothes seen beating protesters were police personnel or volunteers, and who authorised their deployment.
The government's first formal engagement with the CJP occurred on July 20 at the residence of BJP President J.P. Nadda, even as police took action against protesters marching towards Parliament. This action became a turning point, swelling support for the movement.
On July 24, Gandhi presented Sahil Lochab to the media, alleging that he was shot with a pellet gun during the protests. The Congress party has accused the government of using excessive force, while the government has defended the need to maintain public order.
Peaceful protest is a constitutionally protected right in India. The incident raises questions about the proportionality of force used by law enforcement and the accountability mechanisms in place. As of now, the Home Ministry has not issued an official response to Gandhi's letter.
