CRPF Identifies RAF Personnel Involved in Pellet Firing During Protest in Delhi

New Delhi, India Jul 27, 2026 ALN: New Delhi: At least one Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel has been identified by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for allegedly firing pellet rounds during the July 20 Parliament march against the NEET-UG 2026 exam paper leak. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the use of force by security personnel during public protests, particularly in a democratic society where the right to peaceful assembly is protected.

The ongoing probe by the CRPF has revealed that the RAF personnel fired a total of seven rounds from a Pump Action Gun (PAG) during the protest, NDTV has quoted an insider as saying. The use of pellet guns in crowd control situations has been a contentious issue in India, often criticized for causing severe injuries and fatalities. In this instance, five of the rounds struck protesters while two hit the ground. The firing reportedly took place in the Connaught Place area, where clashes broke out between security personnel and demonstrators during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) ‘Sansad Chalo’ March.

The CRPF has, however, not declared the personnel guilty of using excessive force. Its internal investigation team is examining the circumstances under which pellet guns were used, whether the action was in line with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the exact sequence of events that led to the firing. The issue of accountability in the use of force by law enforcement is critical, especially in light of past incidents where excessive force has led to public outcry and demands for reform.

The probe report is expected to be submitted within a week, sources said, following which appropriate action will be taken if any lapses are found. CRPF director general Gyanendra Pratap Singh had announced earlier in the day that the force would carry out a “professional post-event assessment” after the protest concluded, describing it as a routine exercise conducted after every major deployment. This assessment is vital as it aims to ensure that the actions of the RAF personnel align with the principles of proportionality and necessity, which are fundamental in the use of force during public order situations.

“Now, since the agitation has been called off and the assembled people have dispersed, we would make a professional post-event assessment, as we do after every major assignment, and then let you know the view of the force headquarters,” Singh told ANI. The assessment will comprehensively review the RAF’s response, including whether the alleged use of pellet guns complied with prescribed protocols and what circumstances led to the decision, officials said. A detailed report will be prepared and submitted to the CRPF headquarters upon completion of the review.

More than 47 RAF personnel deployed in the Connaught Place area were injured during the Parliament march, with several sustaining serious injuries, ANI has quoted sources as saying. The injuries among security personnel highlight the volatile nature of protests and the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining order while respecting the rights of demonstrators. The Delhi Police and the RAF used tear gas shells, batons, and other crowd-control measures as protesters attempted to march towards Parliament. The demonstration turned violent after the security agencies attempted to stop the protesters from marching towards Parliament.

The Delhi Police maintained that its personnel were not armed with PAGs, but several protesters claimed they had suffered pellet injuries. This discrepancy raises questions about the accountability and transparency of law enforcement agencies during protests. Safdarjung Hospital later confirmed pellet injuries in at least one injured protester, while reports indicated that at least four people were hit. The issue subsequently triggered a political storm, with Opposition parties raising the matter both inside Parliament and outside. This political fallout underscores the sensitivity of public sentiment regarding police actions during protests, particularly when they involve the use of potentially lethal crowd control measures.

The RAF held a high-level review meeting, chaired by Inspector General Seema Dhundhiya, after the controversy broke. Fresh directions were issued banning the use and distribution of PAGs, Anti-Riot Guns (ARGs), Electric Shock Weapons, and Electric Shields in Delhi until further orders. This decision reflects a growing recognition of the need to reassess the tools and tactics used in crowd control, particularly in urban areas where the risk of harm to bystanders and protesters is heightened.

Dissatisfaction was reportedly expressed during the meeting over the manner in which force was used during the Jantar Mantar and Parliament march, stating that the response did not fully conform to prescribed operational procedures. This acknowledgment of potential missteps is an important step towards accountability and reform within the police force. It also highlights the necessity for ongoing training and clear guidelines regarding the use of force in public order situations.

The incident has broader implications for the relationship between law enforcement and civil society in India. As protests become more frequent in response to various socio-political issues, the manner in which law enforcement responds will be scrutinized closely. There is a growing demand for transparency and accountability in police actions, particularly in the context of the right to protest and the need for public safety. The CRPF's investigation and subsequent actions will be closely monitored by civil rights organizations, political parties, and the general public, all of whom are concerned about the balance between maintaining order and respecting individual rights.

In conclusion, the identification of the RAF personnel involved in the pellet firing incident during the protest is just the beginning of a more extensive examination of the events that transpired. The findings of the CRPF's investigation will not only determine the accountability of those involved but also shape the future protocols for crowd control in India. As the country navigates these complex issues, the emphasis on human rights and the right to peaceful assembly will remain at the forefront of public discourse.