The medical records of a protester injured during the July 20 demonstration in Delhi have added a new twist to the controversy surrounding the use of force by security personnel. A medico-legal case report from Lady Hardinge Medical College states that multiple metallic foreign bodies found in a Delhi protester’s body were surgically removed from different parts of a 25-year-old man’s body. The findings have intensified the debate over allegations that pellet-like projectiles were used to disperse demonstrators, a claim authorities continue to dispute.
Delhi protester metallic foreign bodies found during surgery
According to the medico-legal report, Sheikh Irshad Mansoori underwent surgery on July 21 under general anaesthesia to remove multiple foreign objects lodged in his head, neck and shoulder. Doctors documented the recovery of several metallic foreign bodies measuring between 2 mm and 3 mm from different parts of his body, including the oral cavity, neck, forehead, shoulder and the area near his left eye.
The report describes one object as a non-compressible metallic body with sharp edges and a metallic sheen. Mansoori has claimed that at least seven metallic objects were removed during surgery while a few remain inside his face because doctors believe removing them could cause additional damage.
The hospital has not publicly confirmed whether the recovered objects have been sent for forensic examination.
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Police maintain injuries do not confirm gunshot claims
The findings related to metallic foreign bodies found in the Delhi protester’s body have emerged even as Delhi Police continue to reject allegations that protesters suffered gunshot injuries during the July 20 march.
In a public statement, Delhi Police said medical reports available with them describe injuries as simple blunt-force wounds and do not establish evidence of gunshot injuries. The force has urged the public to rely on verified information instead of claims circulating on social media.
At the same time, officials have acknowledged that paramilitary personnel deployed during the protest were equipped with anti-riot gear, including plastic pellets, metallic pellets, tear gas and shock batons. Police have also sought reports from the Rapid Action Force regarding the use of such equipment during crowd control operations.
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Investigation continues over July 20 protest injuries
The issue of metallic foreign bodies found in Delhi protester’s body has now become part of a wider legal battle before the Supreme Court, where injured protesters have challenged the alleged use of excessive force during the demonstration.
Medical records of other protesters have also referred to pellet-like injuries or suspected gunshot wounds, although investigations are still underway. The Central Reserve Police Force has separately initiated an internal inquiry into the conduct of RAF personnel deployed during the protest.
As authorities continue to examine medical evidence and operational records, the controversy over the metallic foreign bodies is likely to remain central to ongoing legal proceedings and public scrutiny surrounding the July 20 protest.
