Kiren Rijiju defended Delhi Police over the Jantar Mantar student protest, while Rahul Gandhi accused the government of denying injuries and police brutality
New Delhi: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday defended the Delhi Police’s handling of the Jantar Mantar student protest, rejecting allegations of excessive force and saying no protester suffered a serious injury.
Rijiju said no person was killed or suffered a broken bone during the protest and argued that the Delhi Police should be praised for managing a large gathering. He also alleged that some people had infiltrated the protest and attempted to breach barricades while marching towards Parliament.
His remarks drew a sharp response from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who accused the government of denying documented injuries suffered by students.
Gandhi alleged that pellet guns were used against students and claimed that one child lost an eye and a girl suffered an ear injury. He said he had personally met some of the injured protesters and accused the government of trying to conceal the extent of the violence. “Don’t lie to the children of this country,” Gandhi said, questioning Rijiju’s assertion that no one was harmed.
The controversy comes amid continued scrutiny of the police response to the protest. Reports citing RTI information have pointed to at least 10 people receiving treatment for pellet-related injuries, while the Supreme Court has announced a high-powered committee to examine allegations surrounding the protests and police action.
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