Rahul steps up attack on Shah; protesters recount police action during march

What happened: Rahul Gandhi’s escalated attack and student allegations

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of responsibility for alleged police excesses against students protesting claims of examination paper leaks. Gandhi said Amit Shah lacked “decency” and “courage” to explain the incident in Parliament.

Gandhi told media that he met students from different states who claimed they were assaulted, beaten, and threatened despite the students conducting a peaceful protest. Gandhi argued that complaining about a flawed education system is not a crime and called for correcting the education system.

After the press interaction, Rahul Gandhi shared photographs on Instagram describing students as young, fearless, outspoken, and patriotic. Gandhi criticised both the Prime Minister and Home Minister for not coming to Parliament or providing answers. Gandhi presented two possibilities about police violence: Amit Shah either did not know that violence was carried out (incompetence), or Amit Shah ordered it (culpability).

Several protesters spoke alongside Rahul Gandhi and recounted alleged police action during a protest at Jantar Mantar. Model Rhiya Ahir said her actions prevented what she called unlawful arrest of students and that she is now facing sustained online harassment. Nutan Topo, Farha Naz, Bharat, and Muskan Sharma described alleged police brutality at Jantar Mantar.

Nutan Topo alleged pellet firing during the July 20 demonstration. Farha Naz said police labelled her “anti-national” after learning her name. Bharat alleged he was beaten and said protesting is important to safeguard democracy. Gandhi praised students for speaking publicly despite harassment.