Union minister Kiren Rijiju has rejected allegations of police brutality during the student-led protest in Delhi, saying no protester died or suffered a serious injury during the July 20 march towards Parliament.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Rijiju defended the Delhi Police’s handling of the demonstration and questioned allegations that firearms or pellet guns were used against protesters.
“Kahan goli chali hai?” Rijiju said, while asserting that no person died, suffered a broken bone or sustained a serious injury during the protest.
Rijiju praises Delhi Police
Rijiju said the police managed the situation peacefully despite what he described as attempts by some people to provoke violence.
He alleged that individuals he described as “criminals” had joined the agitation while presenting themselves as students. He also accused political groups and organisations of attempting to escalate tensions during the demonstration.
The minister argued that the absence of fatalities demonstrated that the security forces had handled the situation effectively.
“There were no deaths, right? So shouldn’t we praise cops?” Rijiju said, adding that the police are responsible for protecting citizens.
He also claimed that no lathi was used during the protest and said police action was taken when protesters attempted to move towards Parliament.
Opposition continues to raise pellet-gun allegations
Rijiju’s comments come amid a continuing political dispute over the handling of the July 20 protest.
Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, have alleged that protesters were subjected to excessive force, including the use of lathis, tear gas and pellet guns.
Reports had also emerged that personnel of the Rapid Action Force were issued pellet guns on the morning of the protest. According to officials cited in earlier reports, the weapons were subsequently withdrawn after concerns were raised about their possible use against demonstrators.
Some protesters have also claimed that they were hit by pellets during the Parliament march.
Parliament sees continued confrontation
The alleged police action has remained a contentious issue during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Opposition parties have demanded answers from the government over the alleged use of force against students. Rahul Gandhi has also displayed the injuries of a student who he said suffered serious damage to his eye during the protests.
The government, however, has maintained that pellet guns were not used against the protesters.
The disagreement has kept the focus on the events surrounding the student agitation and the government’s handling of demonstrations in the national capital.
