'Barbaric assault': Rahul Gandhi writes to Amit Shah, seeks accountability for July 20 crackdown on students

The Congress leader also stated the use of pellet guns was “most shocking.” Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday, wrote to Union home minister Amit Shah, seeking answers to the police crackdown on student protestors on July 20. In a letter to Shah, the Congress MP has sought accountability and clarity regarding the orders issued to disperse protestors part of the Chalo Sansad march using lathis, tear gas and pellet guns.Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi speaks with the media, demanding accountability for police action against students at a march by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) towards parliament on July 20. (REUTERS)Calling the crackdown a "barbaric assault" on students and peaceful protestors, Gandhi stated that hundreds suffered serious injuries and highlighted the sexual assault many female protestors also faced at the hands of the police.“Our students were demanding a fair and accountable education system. Instead of being heard, security forces assaulted them with indiscriminate force, including lethal weapons and tear gas. Hundreds have suffered serious injuries. Women students have been assaulted by policemen, including by deliberately targeting their private parts,” he wrote.The Congress leader also stated the use of pellet guns was “most shocking.”“Reports in the media and social media clearly show people who have suffered grave injuries, including a journalist. I met 19-year old student Sahil Lochab, who is now in severe pain is likely to lose an eye because he was shot with pellet guns,” he added.Also Read | CRPF headquarters seeks report on pellet gun use in CJP protestGandhi sought for answers from Amit Shah as the deployment of security in the national capital falls under the home ministry. In his letter, the Congress MP asked two questions -As Home Minister, did you approve the use of lethal force, including pellet guns, against students? If not, who did?Are the people in plain clothes seen beating students with lathis police personnel or volunteers? Who authorised their deployment?July 20 crackdown | What happened?The Cockroach Janta Party called for a march to the parliament on July 20, which also marked the start of the monsoon session. However, as thousands of protestors marched towards the Parliament building, they were met with a violent crackdown by the Delhi Police, Rapid Action Force and CRPF personnel.Police resorted to lathi-charge, multiple rounds of tear gas and smoke bombs and the use of pellet guns was also recorded.The Delhi Police and security personnel stated that the crackdown was in response to stone pelting from the protestors, however, several media reports highlighted the the protest march remains peaceful."Such brutal violence destroys every norm, and has outraged the country. Youth and students, the future of our country, are demanding answers and accountability. Their voice will be heard," Gandhi added in his letter.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More