Teen protester says he may lose eyesight after pellet injury, cops reject claim
The family of a 19-year-old man who took part in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar has alleged that he suffered
The family of a 19-year-old man who took part in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar has alleged that he suffered serious eye injuries in a police pellet gun attack and is at risk of losing his vision. The Delhi Police, however, denied using pellet guns against protesters. Sahil Lochab, a resident of southwest Delhi's Najafgarh, was among the protesters who joined the "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20 over the NEET paper leak. According to his family, he sustained injuries during the protest and was first taken to a private hospital before being shifted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where he is undergoing treatment. Read Full Story The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the CRPF have not commented on the allegations of the man being attacked by pellet guns by security forces.
A CRPF spokesperson said, "We cannot comment on this at the moment." FOLLOW CJP PROTEST LIVE BLOG UPDATES HERE Sahil's uncle, Ajay, claimed doctors had warned the family that there was little chance of restoring Sahil's eyesight. He said while doctors had not officially informed them about the exact nature of the injuries, he noticed what appeared to be pellet marks on Sahil's body. The CJP and Sahil's family have alleged that his injuries were caused by pellets fired during the police action against protesters. There has been no official statement from the AIIMS Trauma Centre regarding Sahil's injuries. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police categorically denied the allegations, calling reports that security forces used pellet guns against peaceful protesters "completely false and misleading." "Reports claiming that police forces are using pellet guns against peaceful protesters are completely false and misleading," police said, adding that the public were urged not to circulate unverified information on social media.
"The public is strongly advised not to share or circulate unverified content. Please verify facts from official sources before posting or forwarding any information. Appropriate legal action will be taken against individuals found spreading rumours or misinformation," the police added. ABOUT CJP PROTEST The CJP has been protesting at Jantar Mantar since June 6, demanding action over the NEET paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. On Monday, the outfit's "Chalo Sansad" march witnessed clashes between protesters and police, leaving several people, including security personnel, injured. The CJP has been spearheading protests over the NEET row and examination irregularities since June 6. It has demanded that Pradhan be immediately sacked and Rs 1 crore compensation be given to the families of those who died by suicide after the NEET paper leak.
The BriefWire