Archive · 21 Aug 2026
BJP Condemns Rahul Gandhi Protest Over Alleged Pellet Gun Use
Rahul Gandhi protested after a young man was allegedly hurt by pellet guns during a July 20 demonstration.
He went with the injured man to a police station in New Delhi.
Gandhi wanted the police to officially register a case, called an FIR.
He said a medical report showed many pellets inside the man’s body and injuries to his eye.
Police did not register a new FIR and said the complaint would go to the Crime Branch.
The BJP said Gandhi’s protest was mainly for publicity and political attention.
The BJP also said the Supreme Court is already examining the incident through a five-member committee.
The two sides therefore disagree about whether the protest was necessary and politically motivated.
Rahul Gandhi protested at Parliament Street Police Station over alleged pellet gun injuries during a July 20 demonstration.
He was accompanied by 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, who allegedly suffered injuries, including serious damage to one eye.
Gandhi demanded an FIR, citing an AIIMS report that he said found more than 200 shells in Lochab’s body.
Delhi Police did not register the FIR and said the complaint would be sent to the Crime Branch.
The BJP called the protest diversionary and said a Supreme Court-appointed committee is already investigating the incident.
- Who
- Rahul Gandhi, 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, Delhi Police, and BJP leaders including J.P. Nadda and Ravi Shankar Prasad.
- What
- Gandhi protested and sought an FIR over the alleged use of pellet guns during a July 20 demonstration.
- When
- The alleged incident occurred on July 20; the protest and BJP statements were reported on August 21, 2026.
- Where
- The protest took place at Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi; the incident was described as occurring at Connaught Place, while the BJP article also referred to a Jantar Mantar agitation.
- Why
- Gandhi said he was seeking justice for Lochab’s family, while the BJP said the protest was a diversionary political tactic.
Rahul Gandhi and Congress Position
BJP Position
Need for an FIR
Rahul Gandhi and Congress Position
Gandhi said a crime had occurred and demanded that Delhi Police register an FIR so the injured family could receive justice.
BJP Position
The BJP said an FIR had already been registered regarding the incident and that it was being investigated, while the complaint could be sent to the Crime Branch.
Purpose of the protest
Rahul Gandhi and Congress Position
Gandhi said he was protesting on behalf of the injured man and would not leave until an FIR was registered.
BJP Position
The BJP said the protest was a publicity-driven diversion intended to distract from criticism facing the Congress over the Vande Mataram issue.
Role of existing investigations
Rahul Gandhi and Congress Position
Gandhi questioned why the alleged shooter had not been identified after police said Delhi Police did not use pellet guns.
BJP Position
The BJP said Gandhi should respect the judiciary because the Supreme Court had already created a high-powered committee to examine the incident.
- Protester accompanying Gandhi
- Sahil Lochab, aged 19, who allegedly suffered pellet gun injuries.
- Alleged injuries
- Rahul Gandhi said an AIIMS report found more than 200 shells in Lochab’s body, including three in his eye, and shells near his heart.
- Police response
- Delhi Police did not register the FIR and said the complaint would be sent to the Crime Branch.
- Supreme Court action
- The Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the July 20 incident and constituted a five-member high-powered committee headed by a former judge.
- BJP criticism
- J.P. Nadda called the protest diversionary, camera-focused, and a sign of political desperation.
- Additional BJP criticism
- Ravi Shankar Prasad accused Gandhi of practising the “politics of anarchy” and protesting without permission or prior information.