Sahil Lochab, a 19-year-old student from Najafgarh, faces a possible permanent loss of vision in his right eye following police action at a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest near Parliament on July 20, 2026. According to his family, Lochab underwent surgery at the AIIMS Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre on July 21 to remove pellets, with doctors indicating only a “1% chance” of vision returning due to pupil damage.
Medical Status of Protesters
Lochab, who is pursuing studies at Delhi University’s School of Open Learning and preparing for competitive exams, remains in significant pain. His family reports that he will require at least one additional surgery to address his pupil injury. He was initially taken to Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) before being transferred to the AIIMS trauma centre.
Another protester, 21-year-old Sakshi, was also treated for critical injuries during the same event. According to a statement from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, she has been successfully removed from ventilator support, is breathing independently, and is responding to commands. Her neurological assessments, including MRI scans of the brain and spine, have returned normal results.
Did You Know? The July 20 incident marks the first known instance of security forces using pellet guns—technically known as pump-action guns—against civilians in Delhi.
Use of Force and Equipment
While Delhi Police have denied the use of pellet guns, a hospital source confirmed that injuries sustained by Lochab and another protester, Shaikh Irshad Mansoori, were caused by metal pellets rather than plastic. Mansoori, who underwent surgery at LHMC on July 21 to remove a metal pellet lodged beneath his eye, is also scheduled for further surgery and a potential hospital transfer to access specialized equipment.
Pellet guns and shock-batons are standard issue for the Rapid Action Force (RAF), an anti-riot unit under the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The RAF was deployed to the Jantar Mantar area on July 20 at the request of Delhi Police and remained under the force’s operational control during the incident. To date, the CRPF has provided no response regarding the use of these weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prognosis for Sahil Lochab’s vision?
According to his family, doctors have stated there is only a “1% chance” that vision will return to his right eye because of damage to the pupil.
Which security forces were present at the protest?
The Rapid Action Force (RAF), a unit under the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was deployed alongside the Delhi Police at the request of the latter.
What kind of projectiles were used during the protest?
Hospital sources confirmed that the injuries were caused by metal pellets, which were fired from pump-action guns.
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