Student protest violence: SC forms 5-member panel with ex-CBI chief to investigate police action

The allegations of targeted violence and sexual harassment against women demonstrators should be taken on priority, the court said.

The aourt tasked the committee with investigating both the alleged excessive use of force by police and paramilitary forces — including the deployment of pellet guns, electric batons, lathi charges, and tear gas — and claims of violence by protesters against security personnel.

The court was hearing a batch of petitions alleging excessive police action against students who participated in protests at Jantar Mantar and other locations across the country over alleged NEET examination paper leaks and broader concerns relating to the examination system.