Rahul Gandhi Seeks Accountability From Amit Shah Over Police Action

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking accountability for the alleged use of lethal force, including pellet guns, against students protesting over the NEET paper leak in Delhi on July 20, 2026.

In his letter dated July 25, Gandhi described the police action as a 'barbaric assault' on peaceful demonstrators and questioned whether Shah approved the use of such force. Gandhi said the students were demanding a fair and accountable education system and were met with excessive force, including tear gas and pellet guns.

The Congress leader stressed that peaceful protest is fundamental to a democracy and it is the government's responsibility to protect protesters and address their grievances through dialogue. Gandhi alleged that hundreds of students suffered serious injuries, including women who were assaulted by policemen, and some were deliberately targeted in their private parts.

Gandhi also questioned the reported use of pellet guns during the police action, citing reports of people suffering grave injuries, including a journalist. He met with 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, who is likely to lose an eye due to pellet gun injuries.

The Congress leader sought clarification on the identity of individuals seen in plain clothes allegedly assaulting protesters, asking if they were police personnel or volunteers and who authorized their deployment. Gandhi demanded to know if Shah approved the use of lethal force, including pellet guns, against students, and if not, who did.

The protests were spearheaded by the CJP, a platform launched by former AAP functionary Abhijeet Dipke as a satirical online campaign in May before evolving into a nationwide youth movement. The movement demands a fair and accountable education system.

Gandhi's letter comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a high-powered task force led by Nandan Nilekani to reform the examination system. The Congress leader said that peaceful protest is crucial to any democracy and it is the government's responsibility to protect protesters and resolve their grievances through dialogue.

The alleged use of pellet guns and excessive force against students has outraged the country, with many demanding answers and accountability. Gandhi said that the youth and students, the future of the country, are demanding answers and accountability, and their voice will be heard.

The incident has sparked a nationwide debate on the use of force against protesters and the need for a fair and accountable education system. The government's response to the protests and the allegations of police brutality will be closely watched in the coming days.

In conclusion, Rahul Gandhi's letter to Amit Shah highlights the need for accountability and transparency in the government's response to protests and the use of force against civilians. The incident has raised important questions about the state of democracy in India and the need for a fair and accountable education system.