Did RAF Use Pellet Guns on Students? CRPF Orders Inquiry
Indiadailyupdate.com – This question has sparked significant attention following allegations that Rapid Action Force personnel employed excessive force during a student demonstration in New Delhi on July 20. The Central Reserve Police Force has now ordered a comprehensive inquiry into these claims, directing the Inspector General of the RAF to gather detailed information about the actions taken by various teams during the incident. The investigation will examine both the measures used to control the crowd and any instances where officers may have faced assaults during the confrontation.
Medical Reports and Equipment Standards
Medical facilities have documented at least two cases of young people suffering from pellet-related injuries since January 20. The 12-bore pump-action firearm, widely known as a pellet gun, serves as standard equipment for the RAF during crowd management operations. These weapons are typically deployed when security personnel encounter serious threats to their safety or when situations escalate beyond normal control measures.
According to established operational guidelines, pellet guns must be equipped with a deflector attachment during deployment. This safety feature ensures that metal or rubber projectiles cause minimal harm to demonstrators and are directed specifically toward the lower portion of a person’s body, reducing the risk of serious injury.
Investigation Timeline and Evidence Review
CRPF officials have confirmed that a formal Court of Inquiry has not yet been established. The official examination process will begin once preliminary verification provides clearer insights into the sequence of events. Currently, the RAF is conducting a thorough analysis of footage captured on social media platforms, which shows officers utilizing firearms, batons, and conducting lathi-charges against protesters.
Additional videos being reviewed depict demonstrators surrounding and confronting RAF members. One recording captures protesters attacking isolated personnel, while another features an officer in blue RAF dungarees tripping a running individual during the chaos.
All legal procedures stipulated to check the conduct of the personnel during such operational duties will be followed.
Political Background and Related Developments
The alleged incidents occurred during the ‘Chalo Sansad’ procession organized by the Cockroach Janta Party, which commenced at Jantar Mantar on July 20. Participants were attempting to reach Parliament when confrontations arose with both Delhi police and RAF personnel. Demonstrators have been calling for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down following a controversy involving leaked NEET examination papers.
Delhi Police has clarified that it does not maintain pellet guns in its inventory, dismissing related reports as inaccurate. Meanwhile, the CRPF has directed commanders of deployed units to refrain from media interactions after a female RAF officer’s earlier comments were considered inappropriate.
Officials also indicated that the CRPF is reviewing statements made by RAF Assistant Commandant Sonia Sehrawat regarding the protests. Her remarks, shared through her Instagram account, may constitute a breach of the paramilitary organization’s social media regulations.
