Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday displayed the pellet gun injuries of a student protester at Jantar Mantar, accusing the Delhi Police of using excessive force during a demonstration over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Rahul Gandhi Accuses Police of Assaulting Students
Addressing a gathering of protesters, Gandhi held up a photograph showing injuries on a student's body, claiming they were caused by pellet guns fired by police personnel. "Stop assaulting our students," he said, slamming the government for what he termed a brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters. The Congress leader demanded a thorough inquiry and accountability for the use of force.
Delhi Police Denies Use of Pellet Guns
However, the Delhi Police denied the allegations. In a statement, a police spokesperson said that no pellet guns were used during the march or the protest at Jantar Mantar. "All necessary precautions were taken to ensure the safety of protesters, and only minimal force was employed to maintain law and order," the spokesperson added. The police urged political leaders not to spread misinformation.
NEET Protest Continues at Jantar Mantar
The protest, which has been ongoing for several days, involves thousands of students demanding a re-examination or cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 results following allegations of paper leaks and unfair practices. The demonstration at Jantar Mantar has seen sporadic clashes between protesters and police, with students accusing authorities of suppressing their voices. The Congress party has come out in support of the students, with several leaders joining the sit-in.
Political Reactions
The incident has sparked a political row, with the BJP hitting back at Gandhi. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister J.P. Nadda accused Rahul Gandhi of politicizing the issue and undermining the credibility of the examination system. "The Congress is only interested in creating chaos and misleading the youth," Nadda said. Meanwhile, other opposition parties have expressed solidarity with the students, calling for a parliamentary discussion on the NEET controversy.
The Delhi Police have registered a case regarding the protest and are reviewing video footage to verify the claims of pellet gun use. As the standoff continues, students have vowed to intensify their agitation until their demands are met.
