New Delhi : Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has rejected allegations of police brutality during the student-led protest in Delhi, asserting that no protester died or suffered any serious injury during the July 20 march towards Parliament.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Rijiju defended the Delhi Police’s handling of the demonstration and questioned allegations that firearms or pellet guns were used against protesters. “Kahan goli chali hai?” he asked, while maintaining that no person died, suffered a broken bone or sustained a serious injury during the protest.

Rijiju praised the Delhi Police for managing the situation and alleged that some individuals he described as “criminals” had joined the agitation while presenting themselves as students. He also accused political groups and organisations of attempting to escalate tensions during the demonstration.

The Union minister argued that the absence of fatalities showed that the security forces had handled the situation effectively. “There were no deaths, right? So shouldn’t we praise cops?” Rijiju said, adding that the police have a responsibility to protect citizens.

He further claimed that no lathi was used during the protest and said police action was taken when demonstrators attempted to move towards Parliament.

Rijiju’s remarks come amid an ongoing political dispute over the handling of the July 20 protest. Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, have alleged that protesters faced excessive force, including lathis, tear gas and pellet guns.

Earlier reports had also indicated that Rapid Action Force personnel were issued pellet guns on the morning of the protest, although officials said the weapons were later withdrawn amid concerns over their possible use against demonstrators. Some protesters have also alleged that they were hit by pellets during the Parliament march.

The issue has continued to trigger confrontation during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, with opposition parties demanding answers from the government over the alleged use of force against students. Rahul Gandhi has also displayed injuries of a student whom he said suffered serious eye damage during the protests.

The government, however, has maintained that pellet guns were not used against protesters, keeping the controversy alive over the events surrounding the student agitation and the Delhi Police’s handling of the demonstration.