Amnesty International says Indian police and paramilitary forces used pellet-firing shotguns, tear gas grenades, batons and electric shock devices against demonstrators during Gen Z protests in New Delhi on July 20. Thousands had blocked Parliament Street while demanding then-Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over examination-paper leaks and other alleged irregularities. More than 100 students were injured, according to the report, which cited verified videos, photographs, witness accounts and hospital records.
Amnesty’s Evidence Lab said it verified footage of a Rapid Action Force officer firing a shotgun toward crowds near Connaught Place and Parliament Street. The group said the use of birdshot was inherently inaccurate and dangerous, and alleged that police gave no public warning before firing pellet guns. It also said tear gas grenades were launched directly at protesters, and verified claims that lathis were used to beat demonstrators.
Delhi Police rejected reports of pellet injuries as false, while the Modi government said security forces acted with restraint. Amnesty said its evidence contradicted those denials, and an internal paramilitary inquiry reportedly found personnel fired at least seven rounds containing metal pellets. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi demanded Home Minister Amit Shah answer questions, while injured student Sahil Lochab filed a complaint after a sit-in by Gandhi.
Share New Delhi, India – An investigation by human rights group Amnesty International has confirmed that Indian government forces used lethal weapons, including pellet-firing shotguns, grenades, batons and electric shock devices against demonstrators
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