Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has attacked Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing the Centre of unleashing “barbaric” force on students during the July 20 protests in New Delhi.In a letter to Shah, Rahul demanded accountability over the alleged use of pellet guns, tear gas and police violence, saying the crackdown on peaceful protesters had “outraged the country” and raised serious questions about the government’s commitment to democratic rights.In the letter, dated July 25, Rahul said students had taken to the streets to demand a “fair and accountable education system”, but were met with excessive force by security personnel. He alleged that hundreds of protesters sustained serious injuries, while women students were physically assaulted by policemen, including deliberate attacks on their private parts.“Instead of being heard, security forces assaulted them with indiscriminate force, including lethal weapons and tear gas. Hundreds have suffered serious injuries,” Rahul said.He described the reported use of pellet guns against demonstrators as the “most shocking aspect of the police action”.“Reports in the media and on social media clearly show people who have suffered grave injuries, including a journalist. I met 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, who is now in severe pain and is likely to lose an eye because he was shot with pellet guns,” he claimed.Holding Shah responsible, Rahul said the security forces deployed in Delhi ultimately function under the Union Home Ministry. He posed two questions to the Home Minister.“As Home Minister, did you approve the use of lethal force, including pellet guns, against students? If not, who did? Are the people in plain clothes seen beating students with lathis police personnel or volunteers? Who authorised their deployment?” he asked.Stressing that peaceful protest is crucial to any democracy, the Rae Bareli MP said: “It is the government’s responsibility to protect protesters and resolve their grievances through dialogue. Such brutal violence violates every democratic norm and has outraged the country. Youth and students, the future of our country, are demanding answers and accountability. Their voice will be heard.”