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Indian police accused of using pellet guns in crackdown on India’s protests

Al Jazeera · 2026-07-23

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Indian police have been accused of using pellet guns to suppress student protests in New Delhi, resulting in over 100 reported injuries among demonstrators. • Why it matters: The use of pellet guns in crowd control has raised significant concerns among human rights advocates and the public, highlighting issues of excessive force and the government's approach to dissent. • What to watch next: The situation remains fluid as protests continue, with a focus on the government's response to the allegations and the demands of the student protesters, as well as potential implications for civil rights in India.

**Title: Indian Police Accused of Using Pellet Guns in Response to Student Protests**

In recent days, the Indian capital of New Delhi has witnessed significant unrest as students have taken to the streets to voice their dissent. The protests, which have been dubbed the "Cockroach protests," have drawn attention not only for their scale but also for the violent tactics reportedly employed by law enforcement to suppress them.

Videos circulating on social media have raised concerns over the methods used by police during these demonstrations. Eyewitness accounts and footage suggest that officers have resorted to increasingly aggressive measures, including the use of pellet guns. This has led to a rising number of injuries among protesters, with reports indicating that more than 100 students have sustained injuries, some allegedly from pellet gun fire.

The deployment of such weapons has sparked outrage among human rights advocates and the general public. Critics argue that the use of pellet guns, which are typically associated with crowd control in situations deemed to be particularly volatile, is excessive and dangerous, especially in the context of student protests that are primarily focused on expressing grievances rather than inciting violence.

The protests themselves have emerged as a response to various socio-political issues affecting students and the broader community. While specific grievances have not been detailed in the reports, student movements in India have historically addressed concerns such as educational reforms, government policies, and social justice issues.

As tensions continue to escalate, the situation in New Delhi remains fluid. Authorities have not yet issued a formal response to the allegations regarding the use of pellet guns, nor have they commented on the reported injuries. The national discourse surrounding the protests is expected to evolve as more information becomes available and as the protests continue.

The international community is watching closely, with many calling for restraint and urging the Indian government to ensure the safety of all citizens exercising their right to protest. The unfolding events in New Delhi could have significant implications for the relationship between the government and its citizens, particularly in how it addresses dissent and public expression in the future.

As the protests persist, the focus will likely remain on the actions of law enforcement and the government's response to the demands of the student body. The call for accountability and transparency in policing practices is becoming increasingly prominent as the situation develops.

Source: Al Jazeera
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