Delhi Police File FIR Over Jantar Mantar Pellet Injuries After Rahul Gandhi Dharna

The Delhi Police registered a First Information Report on Friday in connection with pellet injuries sustained by a youth during a protest at Jantar Mantar, following a dharna staged by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament Street police station.

The police action came after the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha demanded the registration of an FIR regarding injuries suffered by 19-year-old Sahil Lochab. Lochab had sustained pellet injuries during a July 20 protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar.

A police officer confirmed that the case has been registered under Sections 118 and 25 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Section 118 pertains to voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means, while Section 25 relates to acts endangering life or the personal safety of others.

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Lochab, visited the Mandir Marg police station seeking the immediate registration of an FIR in the matter. When the demand was not accepted there, Gandhi proceeded to the Parliament Street police station, where he met with Deputy Commissioner of Police for the New Delhi district, Sachin Sharma.

After discussions with the DCP failed to yield results, the Congress leader launched a sit-in dharna inside the Parliament Street police station premises, which also houses the DCP's office. Lochab and his mother joined Gandhi during the protest.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra along with several other senior party leaders subsequently arrived at the police station and joined the demonstration in support of the demand.

During the protest, the Leader of Opposition also targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that the Home Minister was afraid of justice being served in the case before the police eventually agreed to file the formal complaint.