Pellet guns, shock batons used against protesters in Delhi; police deny
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Protesters in Delhi sustained injuries from pellet guns and shock batons during a Cockroach Janta Party march to Parliament. While police have denied the use of these weapons, medical evidence and video footage suggest a significant escalation in crowd-control tactics.
Escalation in Delhi: The Use of Pellet Guns and Shock Batons
On July 20, 2026, a march to Parliament organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) resulted in a violent confrontation between protesters and security forces. Among the 80 individuals reported injured, the case of 25-year-old Shaikh Irshad Mansoori has drawn significant attention. Sources at Lady Hardinge Medical College confirmed that Mansoori underwent surgery to remove pellets lodged near his eye, marking what appears to be the first documented instance of pellet gun usage against civilians within the capital city.
The Controversy of 'Non-Lethal' Force
Pellet guns are classified as non-lethal crowd-control measures, yet their deployment has historically been a subject of intense debate. While they are intended to disperse crowds, the proximity and precision of their use—as seen in the injuries to Mansoori's upper body—often lead to severe physical trauma. The deployment of these weapons during the CJP protest marks a departure from standard Delhi crowd-control protocols, which have traditionally relied on water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray.
New Tactics: Shock Batons
Beyond the use of pellet guns, video evidence circulating on July 21, 2026, has highlighted the use of shock batons against protesters. A video depicting a woman being stunned by such a device has surfaced, representing another first in the context of Delhi law enforcement's response to civil unrest. These weapons, which deliver an electric shock, represent a more direct and invasive form of physical intervention compared to traditional lathi-charge methods.
Institutional Denial vs. Empirical Evidence
Despite the medical reports from Lady Hardinge Medical College and video documentation of the incidents, Delhi police have officially denied the use of these specific weapons. The police have issued statements urging the public to "verify facts," creating a disconnect between the official narrative and the accounts provided by victims and their peers. This denial underscores a growing friction between law enforcement agencies and those involved in political demonstrations.
Historical Context and Broader Implications
This incident is not entirely isolated in terms of recent national trends. Pellet guns were previously reported during the 2024 farmers' protests at the Khanuari and Shambhu borders between Punjab and Haryana. Although authorities denied their use at that time as well, farmer leaders alleged widespread injuries. The emergence of these tactics in the heart of Delhi suggests a potential shift toward more aggressive crowd-control strategies in response to organized political dissent.
Future Trends in Crowd Control
As the use of high-tech and specialized crowd-control equipment becomes more common, the debate regarding their legitimacy and safety will likely intensify. The inclusion of shock batons and pellet guns in the police arsenal raises critical questions about human rights, the proportionality of force, and the necessity of such measures in a democratic society. Moving forward, the pressure to provide transparency regarding the procurement and authorization of these weapons will likely be a focal point for civil society organizations and legal bodies.
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