Delhi Police to register FIR over youth’s pellet injuries after Rahul Gandhi protest

The Delhi Police will register an FIR over the alleged pellet injuries suffered by 19-year-old Sahil Lochab during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar, an official source said on Friday.

The development came after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a dharna at the Parliament Street police station, demanding an FIR in connection with Lochab’s injuries.

"We will be registering an FIR in the matter. We received a complaint from the mother of Sahil Lochab," the source said.

Gandhi had accompanied Lochab and his mother to the Parliament Street police station after first approaching the Mandir Marg police station. He sought registration of the FIR at both places.

At Parliament Street, Gandhi met Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi district) Sachin Sharma. After the meeting failed to resolve the issue, the Congress leader sat on a dharna at the police station, which also houses the DCP's office.

Lochab and his mother stayed with Gandhi during the protest, while Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior Congress leaders later joined him.

Gandhi had alleged that police officials told him an FIR could not be registered as "there are orders from the top". He also targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of being afraid of justice.

The July 20 protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was held at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak and alleged examination irregularities. Lochab was among those taking part in the demonstration and later sought police action over the injuries he allegedly suffered.

The decision to register the FIR came after Lochab's mother submitted a complaint to the police, according to the source.

(With inputs from PTI)