'Metal pieces still in my body': Delhi protest victim claims sixth pellet casualty

An artist who joined the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march to document the student protest through sketches has emerged as the fifth documented pellet gun victim. He now claims another injured protester was treated alongside him, suggesting the number of those hit during the police action may be higher than previously reported.

Artist says another injured protester was at hospital

Prashant Kumar Singh, a Delhi-based painter originally from Bihar, said he was among the protesters marching towards Parliament when he was struck by pellets during the crackdown by the Rapid Action Force (RAF).

Speaking about his treatment, Prashant said another injured protester reached Lady Hardinge Hospital around the same time he did on July 20. According to him, that person is not among the five pellet victims whose cases have been documented publicly.

India Today Digital reported that it has accessed Prashant's medico-legal certificate from Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital, which records a "pellet" injury. An X-ray carried out at Holy Family Hospital on July 29 reportedly showed at least 10 pellets still lodged in his right arm and chest.

'If they operate, many muscles will be damaged'

Prashant said he was visiting Jantar Mantar regularly since the protest began, documenting the movement through his artwork. On the day of the march, he said he was standing near the final barricade when the situation escalated.

He recalled that tear-gas shells and baton charges were followed by shotgun fire. According to Prashant, he was hit in the right arm and chest.

Today, several pellets remain inside his body. He said doctors advised against removing them because of the possible complications.

"If they operate, many muscles will be damaged and that will affect me in future," he told India Today Digital.

He also disputed claims that only plastic or rubber pellets were used.

"I got an X-ray done a few days ago and the film shows that there are metal pieces still in my body," he said.

Pellet gun debate continues

The report said the RAF has maintained that plastic or rubber pellets were used during the operation. However, Prashant's medical records and X-ray findings have added to the debate over the nature of the ammunition used.

The report also noted that Delhi Police had initially denied the use of pellet guns. It later cited an RAF general diary entry recorded at Parliament Street police station, which documented the deployment of pellet guns during the July 20 operation.

Prashant believes the firing followed official instructions.

"They (forces) got the orders, and they fired," he said.

Reflecting on the incident, he added, "If I weren't hit, someone else would have definitely been hit."