CRPF Probes Use of Pellet Guns During Delhi Protests

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is conducting a comprehensive probe into allegations that its Rapid Action Force (RAF) wing used disproportionate force, including pellet guns and shock batons, during student protests in Delhi on July 20. The protests, organized by the CJP over a NEET examination question paper leak, culminated in a 'Sansad Chalo' march and ended following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

An internal review confirmed that RAF personnel deployed an Anti-Riot Gun (ARG) using plastic pellet cartridges under the orders of a Deputy Commissioner of Police. Seven pellet rounds were fired during a crackdown in Connaught Place, injuring five protesters, including a journalist and a university student. RAF Inspector General Seema Dhundhia noted that the force used did not align with prescribed training standards or the established force gradient. Consequently, the weapons were withdrawn on July 23.

On July 27, the CRPF leadership assured personnel on the force's 87th Raising Day that actions taken in the "bona fide discharge of their duties" would receive organizational support. However, the force is currently investigating 9-10 specific allegations of misconduct captured in videos and reports. A formal Court of Inquiry will be initiated if the probe determines that standard operating procedures were violated. Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh stated that a professional post-event assessment will be conducted now that the agitation has ended.