The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has opened an internal inquiry into its personnel following allegations of disproportionate force, specifically the use of pellet guns, against student demonstrators during a 'Sansad Chalo' march in New Delhi on July 20.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), under which the RAF operates, directed the Inspector General (IG) of its anti-riot wing to reconstruct the operational sequence of events. Officials clarified that a formal Court of Inquiry (CoI) has not yet been ordered, but a decision will be made after the preliminary verification establishes the facts.
The internal probe comes amid widespread public outcry, fueled by social media footage depicting RAF jawans deploying batons, lathis, and firearms. The clips also show security personnel surrounded by hostile crowds and under attack. A senior officer assured that all stipulated legal procedures for checking personnel conduct during operational duties would be followed.
Severe Injuries Reported Among Protesters
Hospital records and student testimonies confirm multiple cases of severe pellet wounds among demonstrators. Among those injured, 19-year-old Delhi University student Sahil Lochab underwent emergency surgery at AIIMS after pellets struck his right eye, leaving him at high risk of permanent vision loss. Another protester, 25-year-old Shaikh Irshad Mansoori, is receiving treatment at Lady Hardinge Medical College for multiple pellet wounds to his face and neck.
Delhi Police Denials vs. RAF Standard Procedure
The July 20 march, organized from Jantar Mantar by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), saw thousands of students protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The rally turned violent near Connaught Place and Palika Bazaar when forces blocked demonstrators from marching toward Parliament.
While the Delhi Police categorically denied owning or using pellet guns during the operation, the 12-bore pump-action gun, commonly known as a pellet gun, remains a standard component of the RAF's riot-control arsenal. According to the force's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), pellet guns are reserved for extreme scenarios where jawans face imminent danger to life. SOP guidelines also require these weapons to be equipped with deflectors to ensure pellets strike only the lower half of the body, minimizing critical injuries.
Verification Process Underway
The ongoing verification exercise is meticulously reviewing social media evidence, medical reports, and field operational logs. It will also examine footage showing jawans using stun guns and physically tripping fleeing demonstrators, alongside instances where security personnel came under attack.