Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Modi Government, Rahul Gandhi Clash Over Protester FIR
A political argument began after a young protester was allegedly hurt by pellets during a march.
The protester was 19-year-old Sahil Lochab.
Rahul Gandhi accompanied him to a Delhi police station and demanded that a police case be registered.
He said he would continue sitting there until an FIR was filed.
Delhi Police later registered an FIR against unknown people.
Gandhi said this was the first step toward justice but questioned why it took so long.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized Gandhi’s statements and defended the government.
Singh said the government was not afraid and was continuing its work according to its policies and duties.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh accused Rahul Gandhi of arrogance and urged him to observe political decorum.
Singh said the Narendra Modi government has neither feared anyone nor bowed before anyone.
The dispute followed a July 20 march toward Parliament involving 19-year-old protester Sahil Lochab.
Rahul Gandhi joined Lochab and protested outside a Delhi police station, demanding an FIR.
Delhi Police later registered an FIR against unknown persons, which Gandhi called a first step toward justice.
- Who
- Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Rahul Gandhi, 19-year-old protester Sahil Lochab, and Delhi Police.
- What
- A political dispute over alleged pellet injuries to Lochab and the delayed registration of an FIR.
- When
- The march took place on July 20; Singh spoke on Saturday, while Gandhi reacted to the FIR on Friday.
- Where
- During a march toward Parliament and later outside a Delhi police station in Delhi.
- Why
- Gandhi demanded an investigation into Lochab’s alleged injuries, while Singh criticized Gandhi and defended the Modi government.
Rahul Gandhi’s Position
Giriraj Singh’s Position
FIR and justice
Rahul Gandhi’s Position
Gandhi said registering the FIR was only the first step toward justice and questioned why action took about a month.
Giriraj Singh’s Position
Singh’s remarks focused on criticizing Gandhi rather than endorsing his allegations; the government said it was carrying out its duties according to its policies.
Government conduct
Rahul Gandhi’s Position
Gandhi’s protest sought accountability over the alleged injuries suffered by Lochab during the march.
Giriraj Singh’s Position
Singh defended the Modi government, saying it was not afraid, had not bowed before anyone, and was working in the public interest.
Political rhetoric
Rahul Gandhi’s Position
Gandhi warned that he would continue his sit-in for 30 days or even six months if an FIR was not registered.
Giriraj Singh’s Position
Singh told Gandhi not to make statements out of arrogance and alleged that Gandhi and his family should not lecture others on national duty and the Constitution.
- Protester
- Sahil Lochab, a 19-year-old student protester
- Incident
- Lochab allegedly suffered pellet-gun injuries during a July 20 march toward Parliament
- Political response
- Rahul Gandhi accompanied Lochab and staged a sit-in outside a Delhi police station
- Police action
- Delhi Police registered an FIR against unknown persons
- Gandhi’s position
- He called the FIR the first step toward justice and questioned the delay
- Singh’s position
- He accused Gandhi of arrogance and said the Modi government had neither feared nor bowed
- Reported injuries
- Gandhi said pellets remained in Lochab’s body, including three in his eye and near his heart