A protest march to Parliament linked to the Cockroach Janta Party has brought renewed scrutiny to riot-control weapons used by security forces in Delhi. Allegations that a protester suffered pellet-gun injuries and that a woman was stunned by a shock baton have raised questions about the proportionality of force in crowd management.
What happened
A source at Lady Hardinge Medical College said at least one of the roughly 80 injured during the Monday march to Parliament had pellet-gun injuries. A friend of the injured man, identified as Shaikh Irshad Mansoori, said he was hit near Palika Bazaar in Connaught Place by a Rapid Action Force (RAF) jawan in uniform.
A separate video showed a woman being stunned by a shock baton. Hospital sources said the total number of injured later rose to 83, including civilians and police officers.
Background and earlier position
Related current affairs
- Are pellet guns being used at protests?
- At least 10 people injured by pellets on July 20: RTI replies
- Protester hit by pellets could lose vision in right eye: family
- Prior permission must for protests, rallies: Ranchi Deputy Commissioner
- No excessive force used; trapped constable fired AK-47: Bihar Police to SC
- INBRIEF: Delhi High Court questions using Jantar Mantar for protests
