Pellet Guns Used on Protesters in Delhi, Experts Confirm

Pellet guns, banned in several countries for their indiscriminate and potentially life-threatening injuries, were used by security forces against protesters in Delhi’s Central District on July 20, according to independent ballistic experts consulted by the BBC. The protests, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanded education reforms and the resignation of the education minister, drawing tens of thousands who attempted to march to parliament. Delhi Police reported 60 protesters and 118 personnel injured, but CJP claims the protester injury count is significantly higher. Despite initial government denials of pellet gun use, the BBC confirmed at least four cases of protesters treated for pellet wounds, characterized by dozens of tiny round punctures consistent with birdshot injuries. Experts warn these injuries can be devastating even at a distance and often result in permanent damage or death, as seen in Indian-administered Kashmir where pellet guns have caused thousands of injuries, deaths, and blindness since 2010. If confirmed, this would mark the first use of pellet guns against citizens in India’s capital, escalating concerns over the government’s use of force. Two protesters, Mohit (28) and Shaikh Irshad Mansoori, described being shot while fleeing or during the chaos, with injuries including embedded pellets requiring risky surgeries. A third, Sahil Lochab (19), may lose an eye. Government Minister Jitendra Singh acknowledged only tear gas use, omitting mention of pellet guns. Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi demanded the Home Minister’s resignation, highlighting the severity of injuries. The BBC’s findings contradict Delhi Police’s denial of possessing or using pellet guns, with reports suggesting the Rapid Action Force (RAF) might have fired the shots. Experts and human rights groups condemn the use of pellet guns for crowd control due to their dangerous and indiscriminate nature, urging a ban. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for justice and investigations into the excessive use of force. Follow-up is likely as the situation develops.