New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the police of using excessive force against students during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar and demanded reforms to ensure a fair examination system and prevent paper leaks.
Addressing a press conference at 10 Janpath alongside student protesters, Rahul Gandhi said several youths had told him they were beaten, threatened and pressured after participating in the protest.
“We spoke to some of the protesting youths. They said they were assaulted, threatened and put under pressure. I am proud of them and of thousands of young people across the country. They stood up to protect the Constitution, the idea of India and the country’s future,” he said.
Rahul also criticised the reported apology obtained from a 15-year-old girl, calling it “completely absurd”. He said the Congress wanted an education system that functioned fairly, stopped examination paper leaks and protected the future of young people.
The Congress MP introduced four student protesters at the press conference, who shared their accounts of the demonstrations.
One student alleged she was called “anti-national” despite raising slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and claimed a police officer struck her on the upper body while the march was peaceful.
Rahul Gandhi said the protesters had done nothing wrong and were fighting for the future of the country. “These children do not need to apologise. They fought for democracy and deserve thanks,” he said.
Student protester Riya Ahir, who was seen standing in front of a police vehicle during the Shivaji Park protest, alleged she had been subjected to sustained online abuse after the incident.
She claimed she had filed a complaint on July 27 but had not yet received an FIR. Riya alleged that offensive and abusive posts targeting her had been shared on social media by both individuals and political workers.
Another protester, Farah Naaz from Uttar Pradesh, alleged that police assaulted demonstrators at Jantar Mantar, detained them for several hours and made discriminatory remarks after learning her name. She claimed protesters were raising patriotic slogans but were still labelled “anti-national”.
