Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) internal investigation has revealed that someone from its anti-riot wing, Rapid Action Force (RAF), fired at least seven rounds from a pellet gun during the turbulent July 20 student protests in the capital.
The findings are a major step forward in the ongoing debate of lethal and less-lethal crowd control of the “Sansad Chalo” march that took place in the vicinity of Connaught Place and Parliament.
The Internal Inquiry. A review of operational logs and field data showed that a single RAF operative fired seven rounds of pellet rounds in the Connaught Place area as fights worsened. Out of those rounds, five hit protesters and two hit the ground. Heavy stone-pelting and confrontations between security staff and demonstrators marching to demand systemic changes in the exam system and accountability for purported paper leaks erupted.
While Delhi Police had previously denied the possession or use of pellet guns during the protests, hospital records and victim accounts confirm there were many pellet injuries. Among those injured are 19-year-old Delhi University student Sahil Lochab (who suffered severe injuries in his right eye) and 25-year-old Shaikh Irshad Mansoori, as well as a media worker who sustained multiple injuries. The injuries have led to a furious political backlash in which opposition leaders from Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi brought victims to the media to seek answers.
Force Assessment and Corrective Measures. With increasing public opposition and legal petitions filed in the Delhi High Court, senior management in the security apparatus has been taking a strong stance against the controversial tactics. IG Seema Dhundhia held a high-level review meeting last week and said the handling of the crowds was very bad and the force gradient during the protests was not as per standard RAF training.
However, strict instructions have been issued suspending the issuance and use of projectile action guns, anti-riot guns, electric shock weapons, and electric shields in the capital until further orders.
CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh said that the force is conducting a comprehensive professional post-event assessment with the standard procedures following major deployments.
"Now that the agitation has been called off and assembled people have dispersed, we would make a professional post-event assessment, like we do after every major assignment, and then let you know the view of the force headquarters," DG Singh said.
The formal inquiry report will be completed within the week and will lay the groundwork for further institutional and disciplinary actions as accountability measures are weighed.
