Delhi Police has officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the pellet gun injury case under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This action was prompted by a sit-in protest led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who demanded that an FIR be filed in response to a complaint made by pellet gun victim Sahil Lochav. The victim expressed concern that his allegations were not originally documented in a police report.

Sources indicated prior to the FIR’s registration that the complaint was under review to ascertain if a new case could be initiated in compliance with a Supreme Court directive. Section 118 addresses the act of inflicting bodily harm through dangerous means, while Section 125 concerns actions that jeopardise the safety of individuals.

On August 21, 2023, Rahul Gandhi visited the Parliament Street police station, accompanied by several other Congress leaders, including his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The protest was aimed at raising awareness about the aftermath of alleged pellet gun use during a July incident.

Details of the Incident Highlighted by Rahul Gandhi

During the protest, Rahul Gandhi asserted that pellet guns were fired at Connaught Place on July 20, stating that medical reports from AIIMS indicated over 200 pellet shells lodged in Lochav’s body, including three within his eye, resulting in vision loss. He claimed there were additional pellet shards near Lochav’s heart that posed a health risk, challenging the police’s assertion that they did not employ pellet guns during the incident.

Rahul Gandhi demanded that the police register the FIR, claiming that they had received orders from higher authorities not to do so. He expressed determination to remain at the police station until the FIR was filed, underscoring the drive for justice for the affected individual and his family.

In solidarity, several Congress members gathered outside the police station to support the call for an FIR regarding the incident, indicating party unity in the pursuit of accountability from law enforcement.

Government Response to the Protests

In response to the protests, Union Minister JP Nadda criticised Rahul Gandhi’s actions, labelling them as an attempt to attract media attention. He pointed out that the Supreme Court had already acknowledged the July 20 incident and had established a five-member high-profile committee to investigate the matter. Nadda alleged that Gandhi’s protest lacked genuine impetus for justice and was more focused on publicity.

Moreover, Nadda contended that the timing of the demonstrations was suspect, suggesting that they were meant to distract from criticism faced by the Congress party concerning the ‘Vande Mataram’ issue. He accused Gandhi of seeking to shift public focus away from controversies impacting his party.

Sahil Lochav, the pellet gun victim, reiterated his concern at the police station, disclosing that his complaints had not yet resulted in any FIR. He detailed his ordeal, explaining that he underwent surgery at AIIMS following the incident but still faced unresolved vision issues.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh emphasised the party’s clear demand for an FIR, highlighting Lochav’s insistence on formal recognition of his grievances concerning police actions. The party, he stated, would not relent until the necessary steps were taken to register the FIR.

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