The Congress leader alleged that peaceful protesters were targeted during the NEET agitation
July 24, 2026: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the government of using pellet guns against students protesting over the alleged NEET examination irregularities in Delhi. Addressing the media, Gandhi presented a student who he claimed had suffered serious eye injuries during the protest. According to Gandhi, the student was peacefully carrying the Indian Tricolour when he was allegedly hit, resulting in the loss of vision in one eye. He also accused the government of attacking the country’s youth instead of addressing their concerns.
Reiterating the students’ demands, Gandhi called for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, legal action against those responsible for the alleged use of force, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said thousands of students had taken to the streets because repeated paper leaks had shattered their hopes despite years of hard work. Gandhi alleged that many young aspirants, including candidates preparing for police recruitment examinations, had been forced to suffer because of examination irregularities.
While Delhi Police denied using pellet or rubber guns during the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest, reports indicated that some protesters sustained injuries consistent with pellet wounds. A senior police official stated that the Rapid Action Force (RAF) carries anti-riot equipment, including pellet guns, but declined to comment on whether they were used. Medical reports from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital reportedly recorded suspected gunshot and pellet-related injuries sustained by protesters during the clashes.