World News
Amnesty report finds Indian security forces used excessive force against student protesters
Human rights group investigation says security forces used pellet guns, tear gas grenades, and shock devices during July demonstrations in New Delhi.
The short version
- An Amnesty International investigation revealed that Indian security forces deployed pellet shotguns, tear gas grenades, batons, and electric shock devices against student protesters on July 20 in New Delhi.
- The demonstrations, organized by the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party over national exam paper leaks, resulted in more than 100 student injuries.
- Although Delhi Police publicly denied using pellet guns or disproportionate force, an internal paramilitary probe reportedly confirmed officers fired at least seven pellet rounds.
Key facts
- Amnesty International verified video, photo, and medical evidence showing Indian security forces used pellet-firing shotguns, tear gas grenades, electric shock batons, and communications blackouts against student protesters in New Delhi on July 20.[Al Jazeera]
- The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party organized the demonstration to demand the resignation of then-Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following exam paper leaks.[Al Jazeera]
- More than 100 students were injured during the July 20 crackdown, and hospital records confirmed several treatments for pellet wounds.[Al Jazeera]
- Delhi Police publicly labeled claims of pellet gun usage as false, but a subsequent internal paramilitary inquiry reportedly found that personnel fired at least seven rounds of ammunition containing metal pellets.[Al Jazeera]
- Demonstrations later expanded to other states, including Bihar, where local police opened fire on demonstrators four days after the New Delhi march, injuring at least three youths.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- Delhi Police and government officials maintain that forces exercised measured restraint and denied using pellet shotguns, contradicting Amnesty's findings, hospital records, and reported internal paramilitary inquiry results.[Al Jazeera]