The family of a 19-year-old participant in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar has alleged that he suffered severe eye injuries in a pellet gun attack during the police action and now faces the risk of losing his vision. Delhi Police, however, has denied using pellet guns against protesters.
Sahil Lochab, a resident of Najafgarh in southwest Delhi, was among those who participated in the CJP's "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20 over the alleged NEET paper leak. According to his family, he was injured during the protest and was initially admitted to a private hospital before being shifted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have not commented on the allegations. A CRPF spokesperson said the force was unable to comment on the matter at this stage.
Sahil's uncle, Ajay, said doctors had indicated there was very little possibility of restoring his nephew's eyesight. While he said the medical team had not officially informed the family about the exact cause of the injuries, he claimed to have noticed what appeared to be pellet marks on Sahil's body.
Both the CJP and Sahil's family have alleged that the injuries were caused by pellets fired during the police action against protesters.
The AIIMS Trauma Centre has not issued any official statement regarding the nature of Sahil's injuries.
Delhi Police, meanwhile, strongly rejected the allegations, describing reports that security forces used pellet guns against peaceful protesters as "completely false and misleading."
In a statement, the police urged the public not to circulate unverified information on social media and advised people to rely only on official sources before sharing any claims.
The police also warned that appropriate legal action would be taken against anyone found spreading rumours or misinformation.
About the CJP protest
The Cockroach Janta Party has been staging protests at Jantar Mantar since June 6, demanding action over the alleged NEET paper leak and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The party's "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20 witnessed clashes between protesters and police, resulting in injuries to several demonstrators as well as security personnel.
Since launching the agitation, the CJP has called for Pradhan's immediate removal and demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak.
The protest gained significant momentum after education activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the movement and began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28.
Wangchuk was later removed from the protest site by police and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital before being shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram following directions from the Delhi High Court.
