Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah on July 25, 2026, demanding accountability for what he termed a “barbaric assault” on students who were peacefully protesting in Delhi five days earlier. In his letter, Gandhi held the government responsible for protecting protesters and called for dialogue to resolve grievances.
Details of the Assault
Gandhi's letter described the July 20 protest as a peaceful demonstration by students demanding a fair and accountable education system. He alleged that security forces used indiscriminate force, including lethal weapons and tear gas, against the protesters. “Hundreds have suffered serious injuries and women students have been assaulted by policemen, including by deliberately targeting their private parts,” Gandhi wrote.
He highlighted the use of pellet guns as particularly shocking, citing media reports and social media images showing severe injuries. Gandhi said he met 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, who is likely to lose an eye after being shot with a pellet gun during the protest. The letter questioned whether Amit Shah, as Home Minister, approved the use of such lethal force, and if not, who did. Gandhi also asked about the identity of plainclothes individuals seen beating students with lathis.
Background of the Protest Movement
The protest was spearheaded by the CJP (Common Janta Party), a platform launched by Abhijeet Dipke as a satirical online campaign in May 2026. It evolved into a nationwide youth movement centered on demands for accountability over the NEET paper leak. The agitation began at Jantar Mantar on June 20 but gained national momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined on June 28 and undertook an indefinite fast with six AISA activists. Wangchuk ended his fast on the night of July 24 after the Centre’s outreach.
Government Response and Political Fallout
The government’s first formal engagement with CJP leadership occurred on July 20 at the residence of BJP president J.P. Nadda, even as police cracked down on protesters marching towards Parliament. This action became a turning point, swelling support for the movement. Gandhi's letter emphasized that peaceful protest is crucial to democracy and that such brutal violence outrages the country. “Youth and students, the future of our country, are demanding answers and accountability. Their voice will be heard,” he stated.
Gandhi’s letter has intensified political debate over the handling of student protests and the use of force, with opposition parties rallying behind the demand for accountability. The home ministry has not yet issued a formal response to the letter.
