Student activists in India, known as the 'cockroach' protesters, have sustained injuries consistent with pellet gun fire, according to ballistic experts. The findings emerge as authorities reportedly maintain legal pressure on the activists, despite government pledges to drop criminal cases.

Dozens of the protesters bear tiny, round punctures on their bodies, which specialists have identified as tell-tale signs of injuries inflicted by pellet guns. This assessment comes amidst claims from the student movement that a crackdown is continuing.

Ballistic experts say the dozens of tiny round punctures are tell-tale signs of pellet gun injuries.

The student activists successfully forced the resignation of India's education minister earlier this year, marking a significant victory for their movement. Their protests, focused on educational grievances, have drawn national attention.

Continued Legal Pressure

Despite earlier government assurances that criminal cases against the protesters would be withdrawn, activists maintain that legal proceedings are ongoing. Reports from DW News indicate that the students continue to face pressure from authorities, challenging the credibility of the government's previous commitments.

The continued pursuit of legal cases against student leaders and participants suggests a sustained effort to curb dissent following the high-profile resignation. This approach contrasts sharply with the conciliatory stance adopted by officials during the initial resolution period of the protests.

India student protest crowd

Wounds Consistent with Pellet Fire

The ballistic expert analysis, reported by the BBC, provides critical evidence regarding the methods used in crowd control during the demonstrations. Pellet guns, while often described as 'non-lethal', can cause severe injuries, including permanent blindness and deep tissue damage.

The findings about the injuries add another layer to the activists' claims of excessive force. The ongoing legal battles and evidence of injury underscore the volatile environment surrounding student activism in the country.

Activists have vowed to continue their advocacy, pressing for both the withdrawal of all remaining charges and accountability for the injuries sustained during the protests. The situation sets the stage for further confrontation between the government and the student movement.