The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has initiated an internal professional review into the conduct of its Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel during a student-led march on Parliament on July 20 in Delhi. Sources indicate this assessment is a standard operating procedure following major operations, focusing on the RAF's crowd management tactics and overall actions.
Clashes Injure Protesters and Security Personnel
During the protest, which took place in Delhi's Connaught Place area, clashes erupted between student demonstrators and security forces. Reports confirm that some protesters suffered pellet-gun injuries, with at least four such cases documented at Jantar Mantar. Conversely, over 47 RAF personnel were also reportedly injured, some seriously, in the Connaught Place vicinity.
Authorities, including the Delhi Police and RAF, deployed various crowd-control measures, including tear gas and lathi-charge, to disperse the crowds attempting to advance towards Parliament.
Supreme Court to Hear Allegations of Police Excesses
In a related development, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear two separate petitions on Monday, July 27, alleging excessive force by the police against students. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan urgently sought the listing, informing the bench about widespread violence during student protests across the country.
Protests Sparked by Exam Irregularities
The July 20 march, led by the 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP), was part of broader student protests across several states concerning alleged irregularities, particularly the NEET paper leak. Demonstrators had demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The CJP ultimately called off its 36-day agitation after Pradhan resigned and the government accepted other key demands.
An official investigation report from the CRPF and RAF is anticipated after a detailed assessment of the incident, including a review of reported firing during the protest.