Rahul Gandhi Accuses Government of Using Pellet Guns Against Student Protesters

New Delhi, India Jul 24, 2026 ALN: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a prominent Congress Member of Parliament, has recently voiced strong criticism against the Indian government regarding its handling of student protests in Delhi. His allegations center on the purported use of pellet guns against peaceful demonstrators, particularly targeting students who were protesting over issues related to recruitment examinations.

On a Friday press conference, Gandhi presented a student who claimed to have suffered serious injuries to his eye during the protests. The student was reportedly injured while holding the Indian Tricolour and participating in a peaceful demonstration. Gandhi’s assertion that the government utilized pellet guns during this incident has raised significant concerns about the treatment of protesters in the country.

“You're saying pellet guns were used. But I want to explain when the pellet gun was used? The pellet gun was used when my brother was holding the Indian tricolor. He was protesting peacefully with the Indian Tricolour. Government has said no pellet gun has been used. Haven't they said it? See this, this is a pellet gun… his eye has been damaged, he has lost his vision,” Gandhi stated, showcasing the wounds on the youth's body to substantiate his claims.

Gandhi further criticized the government for what he described as an attack on the future of the nation. He alleged that thousands of youth had been subjected to violence, including the use of pellet guns and batons (lathis), while they were protesting for their rights and opportunities. His remarks highlight a broader narrative of discontent among the youth regarding employment opportunities and the integrity of recruitment processes in India.

Context of Protests: Recruitment Scandals

The protests that have sparked this controversy are rooted in serious allegations of irregularities in various recruitment examinations, particularly for police positions. Gandhi pointed out that the student he accompanied was protesting due to the leak of a police recruitment examination paper, a situation that has left many aspiring candidates disillusioned and frustrated. “What is he doing – peacefully protesting because his paper had been leaked. He had given an exam for police recruitment, worked hard, and then one day he was told the paper has been leaked,” he said, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll this has taken on the youth.

Gandhi estimated that lakhs of young individuals across the country have been adversely affected by similar circumstances, where their aspirations have been thwarted due to systemic failures. He underscored the sacrifices made by their families, who have invested time and resources into their education and career preparations.

The Congress leader articulated three specific demands on behalf of the protesting students: first, the immediate resignation of the education minister responsible for the alleged recruitment irregularities; second, legal action against those who used excessive force, including pellet guns and lathis, on the protesters; and third, an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the government's handling of the situation.

Escalation of Protests and Government Response

The protests have seen thousands of students marching towards Parliament, highlighting the escalating tensions between the youth and the government. On one occasion, security personnel deployed tear gas and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, which the Delhi Police later described as “unruly” and dismissive of repeated warnings to cease their actions. This characterization of the protesters has drawn criticism from various quarters, including human rights advocates who argue that such language dehumanizes the demonstrators and undermines their legitimate grievances.

For over a month, students and youth have maintained a presence at Jantar Mantar, a site known for political demonstrations in Delhi. Their persistence underscores a growing frustration with the government’s perceived inaction on issues that directly affect their futures.

Medical Reports and Official Denials

Amidst the allegations, medical reports from various protesters have emerged, suggesting injuries consistent with pellet gun wounds. Despite these reports, the Delhi Police have officially denied the use of pellet or rubber guns during the protests. A senior police official acknowledged that the Rapid Action Force (RAF), which is part of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), is equipped with anti-riot gear, including pellet guns, but refrained from confirming their usage during the protests.

In a statement that has added to the confusion, a senior CRPF official indicated that while the RAF is mandated to carry such equipment, they could not comment on whether it was deployed in this particular instance. The ambiguity surrounding the use of force by law enforcement agencies has raised questions about accountability and transparency in handling public demonstrations.

Reports obtained by media outlets have highlighted specific cases of injuries among protesters. For instance, the medico-legal case (MLC) report of a 32-year-old woman from Gurugram indicated a “suspected gunshot injury,” while a 28-year-old reporter’s MLC described injuries on his waist and hands, classified as “pellet injury marks.” These medical findings have fueled the ongoing debate about the government's response to the protests and the methods employed by law enforcement to maintain order.

Implications and Broader Context

The ongoing protests and the government's response have broader implications for civil rights and the treatment of dissent in India. The use of pellet guns, a controversial method of crowd control, has been criticized in the past, particularly in contexts where excessive force has led to severe injuries and fatalities. The current situation raises important questions about the balance between maintaining public order and respecting the rights of individuals to peacefully assemble and express their grievances.

Moreover, the protests reflect a significant generational divide in India, where young people are increasingly vocal about their demands for transparency, accountability, and justice in governance. The response from the government, particularly in terms of addressing the concerns raised by the students, will likely shape the political landscape leading up to future elections and influence public sentiment toward the ruling party.

As the situation continues to develop, the interactions between the government, law enforcement, and the protesting youth will be closely monitored both domestically and internationally. The outcome of these protests may set a precedent for how similar movements are handled in the future and could impact the broader discourse on civil liberties in India.