Delhi hospital report confirms pellet wounds on journalist during CJP protest

Journalist injured in Delhi protest crackdown

A journalist covering student protests at Delhi's Central Jail premises (CJP) has sustained pellet wounds, according to hospital reports. The journalist, who was on assignment for an Indian news outlet, was caught in a police action on July 20 that has since sparked a controversy over the use of pellet guns.

Medical records from a Delhi hospital confirm that shards of pellets were lodged in the journalist's skin. The reports describe the injuries as consistent with being struck by multiple pellet projectiles, a crowd-dispersal method known to cause severe tissue damage.

RAF under scrutiny for excessive force allegations

The Rapid Action Force (RAF), a specialised unit of the Central Reserve Police Force, is now under investigation for its role in the crackdown. Officials have confirmed that the RAF is probing allegations of excessive force and the specific use of pellet guns during the protest dispersal.

The protest at CJP was organised by students demanding action on various academic and administrative issues. What began as a peaceful demonstration turned violent when police moved in to clear the area. The use of pellet guns, which fire hundreds of tiny metal or plastic projectiles, has been a subject of debate in India for years.

Political fallout over student injuries

The incident has drawn sharp reactions from political figures. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent opposition leader, displayed images of a protester's pellet gun injuries to criticise the government. "Stop assaulting our students," he said, calling for an immediate end to what he described as state-sponsored brutality.

The Congress party has demanded a thorough inquiry into the police action. Government spokespersons have not yet issued a detailed response, though sources indicate that the Home Ministry is reviewing the RAF's operational protocols.

Past controversies of pellet gun use

Pellet guns have been a contentious tool for law enforcement in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and during student protests. Medical experts have repeatedly warned that pellets can lead to blindness, fractures, and even death. The current incident in Delhi has reignited calls for a nationwide ban on their use in crowd control.

Human rights groups are monitoring the investigation. They have urged the authorities to make the RAF's findings public to ensure accountability.

The journalist injured in the incident is reported to be in stable condition. Colleagues have condemned the attack, saying that targeting media personnel undermines press freedom.

What to watch next

The RAF investigation report is expected in the coming weeks. It will likely determine whether the force will face disciplinary action or if new guidelines will be issued for handling student protests.