Arrest in Graffiti Case During Gandhi Protest

Delhi Police arrested a man for allegedly defacing a wall of the Parliament Street police station with objectionable graffiti during Rahul Gandhi's protest on August 21. The accused, identified as Karan, a resident of Jharkhand, was arrested based on CCTV footage, according to police sources. An FIR was registered under the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act. The police removed the graffiti after the protest.

The accused was later released on bail since the sections invoked are bailable, officials said. The protest by the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha was aimed at demanding an FIR over alleged police action against student protesters during a July 20 demonstration against NEET irregularities.

Pellet Gun Injury FIR Registered

Meanwhile, Delhi Police on Friday registered an FIR in connection with a pellet gun injury case under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a sit-in protest by Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament Street police station. The case relates to Sahil Lochab, who alleged he was injured by pellet gun firing at Connaught Place on July 20 and that his complaint was not being registered initially.

In a post on X, Gandhi wrote, "Sahil's FIR has finally been registered. But the way it happened, you must see this." He cited an AIIMS report showing more than 200 pellet shells inside Lochab's body and three in his eye, adding that shells near his heart could not be operated on. "Delhi Police say they did not fire pellet guns. So, there is just one question: someone must have done it... A crime has indeed happened," Gandhi said.

Gandhi alleged that the delay in registering the FIR was not at the police level but came from the top, with final approval having to come from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Home Secretary. He claimed that three or four pellets were near Lochab's heart, which doctors said could not be removed.

Joshi Accuses Gandhi of Staging 'Drama'

Union minister Pralhad Joshi accused Rahul Gandhi of staging a "drama" at the Parliament Street police station, alleging it was an attempt to divert attention from criticism Congress faced over its resolution to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram. Questioning the timing, Joshi noted that Parliament was adjourned sine die on August 13 but Gandhi went to the police station on August 20. "Was he sleeping? He only did this because his party is facing backlash over the Vande Mataram resolution. The public is angry. Just to deflect this criticism, he staged this drama," Joshi said, as reported by ANI.

Joshi also criticised the Congress party's commitment to constitutional principles, saying, "The Congress party has never given any respect to the constitution, all these things that they have done are unconstitutional activities," according to ANI.

Sahil Lochab's Story

Sahil Lochab, from Bhupania village in Jhajjar, had dreamed of joining the Delhi Police. His family moved to Najafgarh around 10 years ago. His father Deepak, disabled since childhood, worked as a private taxi driver. Sahil drove a taxi alongside his studies to support his family and fund his younger brother's education, and had enrolled in a graduation programme through Delhi University's School of Open Learning.

Recounting the July 20 Jantar Mantar protest, Sahil said he felt pellets strike his chest, arm, and right eye, and saw a person in a blue uniform carrying a large firearm. He was initially treated at a nearby hospital, then referred to Safdarjung Hospital, and subsequently to AIIMS, where he underwent surgery but his vision remained affected. Sahil alleged that paramilitary personnel used pellet guns and sought an impartial investigation.

During his treatment at AIIMS, a team associated with Rahul Gandhi contacted him and helped arrange treatment and family assistance. Gandhi met him twice—once at a press conference and later at the Parliament Street police station when the FIR was registered. An FIR against unidentified persons was registered about six hours after Gandhi reached the station.

"I used to drive a taxi along with my studies to support my family. I had dreamt of joining the Delhi Police. After losing the sight in my eye, it feels as if everything is over," Sahil said.

Political Reactions

Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by several Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, during the sit-in protest. The incident has drawn sharp political reactions, with the ruling party accusing Gandhi of using the protest for political gain, while opposition leaders have rallied behind the demand for justice for the injured student.