Who is Sahil Lochab — student who has lost 99% vision in one eye from pellet injuries sustained during July 20 protests
Sahil Lochab, a 19-year-old student, suffered a 99% vision loss in one eye due to pellet gun injuries during a protest in New Delhi. His family is seeking legal action while receiving support from political figures like Rahul Gandhi.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding police conduct during protests and the impact of anti-riot measures on civilians.
Najafgarh resident 19-year-old Sahil Lochab is a student of Delhi University’s School of Open Learning (SOL). According to his friends and family members, he has always wanted to become a police officer, and was preparing for competitive examinations.
Now, his family members say that he has lost 99% of his vision in his right eye due to a pellet injury during the Cockroach Janta Party-led Parliament March on July 20.
Sahil Lochab, who suffered pellet gun injuries during the previous month's protests, shows pellets that he says were removed from his bod, in New Delhi, on August 21, 2026. | Photo Credit: Reuters
Mr. Sahil and his family are currently trying to get an FIR registered. On Friday (August 21, 2026), Rahul Gandhi visited the Parliament Street police station in New Delhi to support Sahil Lochab.
Read updates from Rahul Gandhi’s dharna in Delhi
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