Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Rahul Gandhi Sit-In Leads to FIR Over Pellet Injuries
Rahul Gandhi protested outside a Delhi police station.
He wanted police to register a formal case about injuries suffered by Sahil Lochav.
Lochav said pellet guns were used during a protest on July 20.
He was treated at hospitals and still has problems with his eye.
Gandhi said the police should investigate what happened.
Delhi Police registered an FIR after several hours.
Gandhi then ended his protest.
Union Minister J.P. Nadda criticized the protest and said another investigation was already underway.
Rahul Gandhi staged a sit-in at Delhi’s Parliament Street police station demanding an FIR over Sahil Lochav’s alleged pellet injuries.
Lochav said he was injured during the Cockroach Janta Party protest on July 20 and later underwent surgery at AIIMS.
He reported continuing vision problems and claimed pellets or shrapnel remained in his body, including near his eye and heart.
Delhi Police registered an FIR on Friday after Gandhi’s protest, prompting him to end the sit-in.
Union Minister J.P. Nadda called the protest political theatrics, noting that the Supreme Court had appointed a five-member inquiry committee.
- Who
- Rahul Gandhi demanded action for Sahil Lochav, who alleged that pellet firing injured him during a protest; Delhi Police later registered an FIR.
- What
- A sit-in protest seeking an FIR over alleged pellet-gun use and resulting injuries.
- When
- The alleged injuries occurred on July 20; Lochav filed a written complaint on August 14; the sit-in and FIR occurred on Friday.
- Where
- Outside the Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi; the alleged incident took place in Connaught Place.
- Why
- Gandhi and Congress leaders said an FIR was necessary to investigate the alleged use of pellet guns and seek justice for Lochav.
Congress and Complainant
Delhi Police and BJP Criticism
Whether pellet guns were used
Congress and Complainant
Rahul Gandhi and Lochav alleged that pellet guns were fired during the July 20 protest and demanded a formal investigation.
Delhi Police and BJP Criticism
Delhi Police said they had not fired pellet guns, while the police examined the complaint before registering the FIR.
Need for the protest
Congress and Complainant
Gandhi and Congress leaders said the FIR had not been registered despite Lochav’s complaint and that the sit-in was necessary to obtain justice.
Delhi Police and BJP Criticism
J.P. Nadda called the sit-in a camera-focused political performance and said the Supreme Court’s inquiry meant the matter was already being investigated.
Purpose of Gandhi’s action
Congress and Complainant
Congress said Gandhi was supporting Lochav’s demand and acting constitutionally to seek accountability.
Delhi Police and BJP Criticism
Nadda alleged that the protest was intended to attract media attention and divert public attention from criticism of Congress over the Vande Mataram issue.
- Complainant
- Sahil Lochav, who alleged that pellet firing injured him during the July 20 protest.
- Protest leader
- Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
- Medical treatment
- Lochav underwent surgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences after being referred from Lady Hardinge Hospital.
- Complaint date
- Lochav said he submitted a seven-page written complaint on August 14.
- Police action
- Delhi Police registered an FIR after Gandhi staged the sit-in.
- Inquiry cited by Nadda
- A five-member high-powered committee headed by a former judge was constituted after the Supreme Court took cognisance of the July 20 incident.
