Opposition to press Parliament over Ram Mandir funds and Jantar Mantar police action

Congress MP Manickam Tagore filed an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha addressed to the Secretary-General, calling the July 20 police response to a student protest at Jantar Mantar a matter of 'definite and urgent public importance,' TheHinduBusinessLine reported. His notice states that 'it has been alleged that lathi charges, pellet guns, tear gas, and water cannons were used against students, including female participants, resulting in injuries and widespread public concern,' and asks who authorised the action, whether it complied with law and constitutional safeguards, and for data on students injured, detained or arrested and any misconduct complaints. Tagore asked whether the government would order an 'independent, impartial, and time-bound judicial inquiry,' sought figures on FIRs filed against students and their withdrawal, and asked whether the Prime Minister would apologise to students if the inquiry found excessive force was used. Opposition parties have separately protested since the Monsoon session began over an alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case, also pressing Home Minister Amit Shah for a statement.