Security forces deployed plastic pellets and tear gas during a protest against the NEET-UG exam leak on July 20. The event, which ended following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has sparked calls for an official government statement in Parliament.
Detailed Coverage
During the 'Sansad Chalo' march on July 20, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) utilized non-lethal munitions to manage crowds protesting against the NEET-UG exam paper leak. The demonstration, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), saw significant police deployment near Jantar Mantar as protesters called for the resignation of then-Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Use of Anti-Riot Munitions
According to official police records, the security response included 55 non-electrical shells, 15 electrical shells, five tear gas grenades, and two rounds fired from anti-riot guns. Additionally, security personnel fired two rounds of plastic pellets, with each round containing four pieces. Authorities have distinguished these plastic pellets from metal-based variants, emphasizing that they are designed to cause less severe injury.
While the protest ended after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday, the methods used by law enforcement have become a subject of political debate. Opposition members are seeking a formal statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the conduct of the security forces. There have been reports of injuries among protesters, and official records also indicate that multiple personnel from the Delhi Police, RAF, and CRPF were injured during the demonstrations.
Ongoing Assessment and Official Stance
While critics have alleged excessive force against the protesters, the Delhi Police has publicly denied these claims, labeling them as misleading. The CRPF and RAF have not yet provided detailed statements on the specific deployment of munitions. However, CRPF Director General G P Singh has noted that the force plans to conduct a post-event assessment, after which a final report on the incident may be provided.
Investors and observers tracking the sector may note that such regulatory and civil unrest incidents occasionally influence broader market sentiment, particularly if they lead to legislative changes or disruptions in administrative functions. The next steps will likely involve further parliamentary scrutiny regarding the handling of the protest and the final internal assessment from the CRPF.