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Independent experts confirm pellet-gun injuries among protesters in Delhi

Independent ballistic and forensic experts have confirmed to the BBC that injuries sustained by protesters during the 20 July demonstrations in Delhi were caused by birdshot from 12-gauge pellet guns. The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party over repeated exam paper leaks, faced a heavy police and paramilitary crackdown near parliament.

While government ministers and Delhi Police have denied deploying pellet guns, insisting only batons and tear gas were used, hospital records, X-rays, and multiple victims verify dozens of small metal pellets embedded in bodies.

Among the injured is 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, who risks losing an eye, and a journalist who documented 30 pellet wounds. If officially verified, this represents the first instance of Indian security forces using pellet guns for crowd control within the capital.

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