Journalist with '30 pellets still inside' seeks compensation after CJP protest

A 28‑year‑old sports journalist working for Outlook magazine was struck by pellets during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) “Chalo Sansad” protest at Jantar Mantar on July 22, 2026. In a complaint filed with Delhi Police, he states that 30 pellets remain lodged in his body and he is seeking compensation and disciplinary action against the personnel who fired them.

What we can verify

• Identity & role: The complainant is a 28‑year‑old sports journalist with Outlook magazine. His name is withheld in the Indian Express report at his request.
• Event: The injury occurred during the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on July 22, when security forces used pellet‑firing shotguns to disperse demonstrators.
• Medical finding: A medical examination at Safdarjung Hospital on July 22 documented multiple pellet entry wounds across his arm, chest, and back. The hospital report notes that approximately 30 pellets could not be removed and remain inside his body.
• Police complaint: The journalist has filed a formal complaint at Parliament Street police station seeking registration of an FIR, compensation for medical expenses and trauma, and action against the personnel who fired the pellets.
• Official response so far: Delhi Police have not yet registered an FIR in this specific case. A senior officer told The Indian Express that the complaint is “being examined” and that the force is also conducting an internal inquiry into the use of pellet guns during the protest.
• Broader context: This is at least the fourth documented case of pellet injury from the July 22 CJP protest. Earlier reports confirmed injuries to Delhi University student Sahil Lochab (19), Gurgaon resident Irshad Sheikh (25), and another protester. The CRPF has announced an internal inquiry into the deployment of its Rapid Action Force (RAF) unit that fired the pellets.

What remains unverified

• The exact type of pellet cartridge used (police/CRPF have not released specifications).
• Whether the journalist was clearly identifiable as press at the moment of firing (he was wearing a press card, per his complaint).
• Outcome of the internal CRPF inquiry or any disciplinary proceedings against the RAF personnel involved.
• Timeline for FIR registration or compensation — the complaint is currently “under examination.”

Why it matters

Pellet shotguns are classified as “less‑lethal” but can cause permanent disability or death at close range. Their use against a clearly marked journalist covering a peaceful protest raises serious press‑freedom concerns. The fact that 30 pellets could not be surgically removed underscores the severity of the injury.

The Indian Express report is the primary source for all facts above. No independent medical or police statement has been published as of this filing.

Sources

1. The Indian Express — “‘30 pellets still inside my body’: Journalist hurt in CJP protest seeks compensation” (July 24, 2026) — https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-protest-journalist-pellet-injuries-chalo-sansad-march-10801612