What happened: Rahul Gandhi’s letter after a July 20 Delhi protest march
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking accountability for an alleged assault on students during a march protest in Delhi on July 20. Rahul Gandhi asked whether Amit Shah had authorised lethal force, including pellet guns, in the handling of the protest.
Rahul Gandhi’s questions and allegations included the following claims about protest policing during the July 20 incident:
Rahul Gandhi alleged that security forces responded with indiscriminate violence to students demanding a fair education system.Rahul Gandhi alleged use of pellet guns and tear gas.Rahul Gandhi asked who authorised, within the chain of command, the deployment of forces including plainclothes personnel that allegedly used indiscriminate force.Rahul Gandhi alleged serious injuries, including allegations that women students were targeted.Rahul Gandhi referred to a 19-year-old student whose eyesight could be affected due to pellet wounds.
Rahul Gandhi stated that Opposition leaders were likely to raise the issue in Parliament and sought an apology from the Prime Minister. Opposition leaders also moved a notice to suspend parliamentary business to discuss “excessive force” during the NEET protest.
Background: CRPF’s post-event professional assessment plan
Related current affairs
- Rahul steps up attack on Shah; protesters recount police action during march
- Shah must answer for action against students, says Rahul
- Rahul seeks Shah’s ouster, vows justice for students
- Shah is responsible for violence against student protesters: Rahul
- Leaders of Opposition demand accountability for pellet guns and Ram Temple offering theft
- Rahul Gandhi’s politics on the streets signals a new Opposition playbook
