Student's pellet-gun injury puts pressure on Education Minister Pradhan

A Delhi University student preparing for the police recruitment exam may lose vision in his right eye after being hit during a protest on July 20 against irregularities in national entrance exams, according to his family and hospital records reviewed by multiple outlets.

Sahil Lochab, 19, was carrying the national flag when clashes broke out during the Congress-affiliated organization's "Chalo Sansad" march on the first day of the monsoon session. Doctors at AIIMS Trauma Centre told his family there was a "1% chance" of vision recovery, according to reporting by The News Minute and NewsLaundry.

On Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi presented the student to media outside Sonia Gandhi's residence. Gandhi lifted Lochab's shirt to show injuries and called Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan a "criminal," demanding his removal and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Stop assaulting our students," Gandhi said.

At least three other people reported pellet-like injuries at the same protest. A journalist covering the march was treated at Safdarjung Hospital for 26 wounds to his arm, documented as "consistent with pellets," according to The Wire. A 25-year-old protester underwent surgery for facial injuries at Lady Hardinge Medical College.

DelhiPolice has denied using pellet guns. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), whose Rapid Action Force was deployed alongside Delhi Police, has not publicly responded but has launched an internal inquiry into allegations of disproportionate force, according to The Week.

The injuries reignite anger over exam irregularities that have roiled the country for months. The National Testing Agency cancelled NEET exams scheduled for May 3 and May 7, and a re-exam was held on June 21. A CBI investigation is underway. Pradhan has insisted there is "no evidence" of a major paper leak and said the government is "ready to give answers in court."