New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of either being “culpable or incompetent” over the alleged use of pellet guns against students during recent protests.
The remarks came amid a political storm after videos and eyewitness accounts circulating on social media allegedly showed security personnel using pellet guns to disperse student demonstrators. Opposition leaders have demanded an independent investigation into the incident and questioned the government’s handling of the protests.
Rahul Gandhi Questions Accountability
Addressing reporters, Rahul Gandhi alleged that if pellet guns were indeed used against students, responsibility must rest with the Union Home Ministry.
“If pellet guns were used on students, then either the Home Minister authorised it, making him culpable, or it happened without his knowledge, making him incompetent,” Rahul Gandhi said.
He further demanded transparency regarding the chain of command and called for the government to disclose who approved the security measures deployed during the protests.
Opposition Demands Probe
The Congress party has sought:
- An independent judicial inquiry into the alleged incident.
- Identification of officials responsible for the use of force.
- Medical assistance and compensation for any injured students.
- Clear guidelines to prevent excessive force during student demonstrations.
Several opposition leaders echoed Rahul Gandhi’s concerns, calling for accountability and restraint in handling peaceful protests.
Government Yet to Respond
At the time of writing, the Union Home Ministry had not issued a detailed public response specifically addressing Rahul Gandhi’s allegations. Authorities have maintained that security personnel act according to established law-and-order protocols and that any allegations of excessive force are subject to review.
Student Protests Continue
Student organizations have continued demonstrations, demanding action over the alleged use of force and reiterating their broader concerns that led to the protests. Protest organizers have called for peaceful demonstrations while urging authorities to avoid escalation.
Political Reactions Intensify
The issue has sparked a fresh political confrontation, with opposition parties accusing the government of suppressing dissent, while leaders from the ruling side have defended the actions of security agencies and criticized the opposition for politicizing the matter before the completion of any official inquiry.
Conclusion
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks have intensified the debate over the alleged use of pellet guns during student protests. As demands for an independent investigation grow, attention is likely to remain focused on the government’s response, any official findings, and the broader questions surrounding crowd-control measures and accountability.
