A 19-year-old student who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Sansad Chalo' protest in Delhi is battling a possible loss of vision in his right eye after allegedly sustaining pellet-like injuries during the police crackdown, even as Delhi Police denied using pellet guns for crowd control.
The teenager, identified as Sahil Lochab, was injured during the July 20 march towards Parliament, which witnessed clashes between protesters and security personnel. According to his family, doctors informed them that the damage to his right eye is severe and that his chances of regaining vision are extremely slim. He has undergone surgery at AIIMS' Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre.
Speaking about his condition, the teenager said his vision in the injured eye had turned "pitch black" after the incident. His family alleged he was struck by a pellet during the police action that followed the protest march.
The incident has intensified scrutiny over the use of force during the NEET-UG protest, with several protesters alleging excessive police action. Another protester also claimed he sustained pellet injuries during the clashes and underwent treatment for wounds to his face and neck.
Delhi Police, however, has categorically denied using pellet guns during the operation. The force earlier described allegations of pellet gun use as "completely false and misleading" and maintained that only approved crowd-control measures were employed to restore law and order during the protest.
The controversy comes amid continuing nationwide protests led by the CJP over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The demonstrations have triggered political and legal scrutiny, with the Supreme Court directing the Centre to expedite examination reforms while student groups continue to demand accountability over the alleged irregularities.
