In July, thousands of unarmed students marched toward the Indian Parliament in New Delhi to protest what they described as flaws in the nation’s education system. The demonstration, which had followed weeks of peaceful protests near the Parliament, was met with a heavy response from riot police and paramilitary forces, including the Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF).

Security personnel employed batons, tear gas, and pellet guns in attempts to halt the march. Video footage and eyewitness accounts that later emerged showed officers striking protesters with lathis—long batons made of bamboo or polycarbonate—often targeting torsos rather than arms or legs, contrary to guidelines established by the United Nations and India’s Home Ministry. Protesters reported injuries including bruises and welts, with several requiring hospitalization. Some demonstrators said they were also subjected to verbal abuse. Arushi Dave, a 19-year-old protester, described being hit by a baton and bleeding during police advances. The protests were largely sparked by the cancellation of a medical college entrance exam following a question paper leak, which affected more than two million aspiring doctors.

The RAF, a riot-control unit under the Central Reserve Police Force known for its blue uniforms symbolizing peace, was seen using similar tactics. Videos showed multiple RAF personnel wearing helmets and carrying shields repeatedly striking a non-resisting man. Tear gas was widely deployed to disperse crowds in areas adjacent to the protest site, sometimes fired directly at protesters rather than in an arc as recommended by international guidelines. Additionally, pellet guns, which fire multiple small metal pellets and can cause serious injuries, were reportedly used by some RAF officers, though the Delhi Police denied their use. An inquiry into the possible deployment of pellet guns has been initiated, but the RAF has not publicly commented on this aspect. Gyanendra Pratap Singh, director-general of the Central Reserve Police Force, accepted responsibility for actions carried out during the "bona fide discharge of duty."

Authorities maintained that the march was “strictly prohibited” as no permission had been granted, and that force was applied as a last resort. Police reported injuries to 118 officers and detained approximately 70 individuals for alleged law and order violations. However, the scale and nature of force used against largely peaceful young demonstrators prompted widespread public criticism. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in the lower house of Parliament, condemned the crackdown, calling it a “stain” on India’s democracy.

In the aftermath, many protesters filed petitions with the Supreme Court accusing security forces of brutality and seeking accountability for excessive use of force. The Court responded by ordering an evidence-based inquiry to review the conduct of law enforcement during the events. Meanwhile, leaders of the Cockroach Jana Party—a group that had played a significant role in the youth movement—urged protesters to preserve photographic and video evidence, expressing concern that detained individuals could still face charges despite government assurances to the contrary.

The events have sparked a broader debate on the appropriate limits of police action during demonstrations in India and highlighted longstanding tensions over the treatment of protest groups, especially those involving students and minority communities.