Surgery Reveals Metallic Objects in Jantar Mantar Protester's Injuries

A recent medical report has reignited the debate surrounding the alleged use of pellet guns by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) during a protest that took place on July 20 at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Despite ongoing denials from both the Central Government and the Delhi Police regarding the use of pellet guns against demonstrators, new evidence has emerged that could challenge their assertions. The medico-legal case (MLC) report concerning Sheikh Irshad Mansoori, a 25-year-old protester, indicates that metallic foreign bodies were surgically removed from his face and neck at Lady Hardinge Medical College. Mansoori is one of the individuals who have filed a petition with the Supreme Court, claiming that excessive force was employed during the “Sansad Chalo” protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

The MLC report, as detailed by the Hindustan Times, notes that Mansoori was admitted to the hospital with injuries sustained during the protest and underwent surgery to extract metallic objects embedded in his facial area. Medical professionals reportedly preserved these materials for further analysis. While the report does not definitively identify the source of the metallic objects, it lends credence to the protesters' allegations that pellet-like ammunition was utilized by law enforcement during the incident. Mansoori recounted his experience to the Hindustan Times, stating that he witnessed a security officer aiming a weapon in his direction just before he was struck. He described the moment vividly, saying, “I turned to run, and then something hit my face.” Following the surgery, he was discharged from the hospital several days later but continues to bear visible scars from his injuries.