CJP protest: Another protester claims pellet injuries, says ‘I thought I was going to lose my arm’ | Today’s news
A 25-year-old resident of Bihar reportedly sustained pellet injuries during a protest march led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against the NEET paper leaks on July 20.
Prashant, who lives in Delhi, told the Hindustan Times: “When those pellet-like things hit my hand, I thought I was going to lose my arm forever. I didn’t feel it for hours.”
Prashant was injured near the Jantar Mantar protest site. He was taken to Lady Hardinge Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
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Prashant sustained multiple pellet injuries on his right upper limb, chest and inguinal region during the July 20 protest.
Prashant followed the movement on social media and decided to join the protest on July 20 in support of the demands regarding the NEET paper leaks.
Prashant was hit by bullets while trying to escape during police tear gas shelling and firing at a protest site near Palika Bazar.
With reports of pellet injuries and police action, protesters should consider their safety and health risks before participating.
The Delhi Police has officially denied the use of firearms during the protest, saying such claims are false and misleading.
Read also | CJP protest: “You approved the use of firearms,” Rahul Gandhi asks Amit Shah
His discharge paper, accessed by HT, reads: “Multiple pellet injuries to right upper limb, chest and groin.”
HT tried to contact the hospital, Delhi Police and CRPF for comment but did not receive a response.
“The wounds were very similar to pellet wounds”
Narrating his ordeal, Prashant said, “I followed the movement on social media from the beginning and visited Jantar Mantar. I also went to the protest on July 20 to participate in the march.”
He said, “Around 4 pm, the police used teargas to disperse the students around Jantar Mantar. I was already hit with lathis. Within minutes, I reached the Palika Bazar area near the Gandhi Charkha installation along with my friend and other protesters.”
Read also | Rahul Gandhi slams Dharmendra Pradhan over ‘pellet’ injury to CJP protester
“Many protesters were cornered there by the police personnel. There was tear gas shelling and firing and I was also trying to run away from there. That’s when these bullets hit me in different parts of my body. Then my friend rushed me to the hospital,” Prashant told HT.
He was treated and released there the same day.
“When I reached home, my friends saw my wounds and we researched them online. Then we found out that these wounds were very similar to pellet wounds,” said Prashant.
“That’s when I checked my discharge papers from the hospital where it was also mentioned that it was pellet injuries,” added Prashant.
Read also | Were firearms used during the July 20 CJP protest? What we know so far
His discharge report claimed he was brought to the hospital around 4:30 p.m.
In the “history and examination” section, the summary states, “the patient has first-degree pellet injuries to the right upper limb, chest, and groin.”
Prashant claimed, “For days, I didn’t tell my family that I had these pellet-like wounds because I was afraid they would tighten up.
Delhi Police denies using firearms
The Delhi Police has officially denied the use of bullets or rubber weapons.
Delhi Police posted on X: “Allegations that Delhi Police used firearms against peaceful protesters yesterday are completely false and misleading.”
“The Delhi Police neither have firearms nor are they using them in the ongoing protests. The public is requested not to share or spread any unverified or misleading information,” X’s post added.
Read also | ‘Can’t say it’s a bomb blast’: Delhi Police official on explosion near Red Fort
The New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police also advised the public not to share or spread unverified information.
Three other alleged cases of pellet-like injuries had previously emerged. Sheikh Irshad Mansuri, a 25-year-old employee of a private firm; Sahil Lochab, a student aspiring to join the police force; and a 28-year-old reporter, who did not want to be named, claimed to have suffered pellet-like injuries.
