An investigation by human rights group Amnesty International has confirmed that Indian government forces deployed lethal weapons, including pellet-firing shotguns and grenades, against student protesters in New Delhi last month. The crackdown occurred during demonstrations organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over widespread examination paper leaks.

The protests, which took place on July 20, saw thousands of demonstrators effectively shut down the capital, blocking Parliament Street and calling for the resignation of the then-Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The CJP, a youth-led movement, had been protesting a series of examination scandals and irregularities that have shaken public trust in the national education system.

According to Amnesty's findings, security forces employed tear gas, pellet guns, batons, and electric shock devices against the demonstrators. The report is based on verified video and photographic evidence, alongside witness testimony. These tactics were reportedly used in a manner that breached international law, human rights standards, and India's own domestic policing guidelines, which permit such force only in exceptional circumstances.

The use of these weapons has led to significant criticism from the opposition and human rights advocates. Indian newspapers had previously reported on hospital records showing injuries consistent with pellet gun use. The government, however, has repeatedly denied allegations of excessive force, maintaining that security forces responded with restraint.

The protests gained momentum after the forced removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was participating in a hunger strike two days prior to the main march. This action galvanized public anger and brought more protesters onto the streets of New Delhi. Amnesty International’s Evidence Lab has meticulously verified the evidence of the weapons used and their deployment.

Amnesty International stated that the weapons were deployed in a manner that violated established legal and ethical standards for law enforcement. The organization's findings add significant weight to accusations of police brutality that have been circulating since the crackdown, challenging the government's narrative of a measured response.

The investigation also revealed that government forces erected barricades and enforced a communications blackout during the protests. This further complicated the situation for demonstrators and observers alike, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the handling of public dissent.

Opposition leaders, including Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, have called for Home Minister Amit Shah to address the allegations of police brutality and have supported calls for his resignation. The mounting evidence and the Amnesty report are expected to intensify political pressure on the Modi government to provide a comprehensive account of the events and the actions taken by security forces.