CRPF Investigates Allegations of Pellet Gun Use Against Protesters in Delhi

New Delhi, India Jul 24, 2026 ALN: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is currently "verifying media reports" regarding the alleged use of pellet guns by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) against unarmed protesters during a march to Parliament on July 20, 2026. This statement was made by an official on July 24, 2026, just three days after reports emerged detailing the first known instance of security forces employing pellet guns on civilians in the capital. The use of such weapons against civilians has raised serious concerns about the appropriateness of force used by law enforcement agencies in managing public protests.

The CRPF official indicated that no action has been taken thus far, as the authenticity of the claims is still under investigation. The investigation is critical not only for addressing the immediate concerns of the injured parties but also for ensuring accountability within the ranks of the security forces. The implications of the findings could have far-reaching consequences for public trust in law enforcement agencies and their ability to manage civil unrest without resorting to excessive force.

As of July 24, 2026, two individuals who were reportedly struck by pellets fired by RAF personnel are receiving medical treatment at government hospitals. One of the victims, 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, faces the risk of losing vision in his right eye due to a pellet that pierced his pupil, according to his family. This incident highlights the potential for serious injuries resulting from the use of pellet guns, which are designed for crowd control but can inflict severe harm on individuals, particularly when used indiscriminately against unarmed civilians.

Previously, the Delhi Police had denied the use of pellet guns against the protesters. Pellet guns and shock batons are standard equipment for the RAF, which operates alongside the Delhi Police and was deployed in and around Jantar Mantar on July 20. The RAF is a specialized anti-riot unit of the CRPF, tasked with maintaining order during large gatherings and protests. However, the appropriateness of their methods has come under scrutiny, particularly in light of the injuries reported. The use of pellet guns in crowd control situations raises ethical questions about the balance between maintaining public order and protecting citizens' rights.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has yet to release a statement or clarify its stance on the alleged excessive use of force. The lack of a timely response from the MHA may contribute to public frustration and distrust, as citizens seek reassurance that their rights will be protected and that there will be accountability for any misuse of force by security personnel. The MHA's silence also raises concerns about transparency in governance and the handling of protests in a democratic society.

On July 22, the Delhi High Court requested responses from both the Centre and the Delhi Police regarding public interest litigation petitions that allege excessive force was used against demonstrators during the July 20 march. This legal scrutiny reflects the growing concern among citizens and civil society organizations about the treatment of protesters and the potential for human rights violations by state authorities. The court's involvement underscores the importance of judicial oversight in cases where the actions of law enforcement come into question.

Another case seeking an investigation into the protest led by the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) is scheduled for a hearing on July 24. This case is part of a broader trend of legal challenges aimed at holding law enforcement accountable for their actions during protests. The outcome of these hearings may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future and could influence public perceptions of the legitimacy of police actions during civil unrest.

The pellets, which can penetrate the skin when fired from a distance, were last reported to have been used during the 2024 farmers' protest at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders along the Punjab-Haryana boundary. At that time, police had denied the use of pellet guns, although farm leaders claimed that several individuals were injured. This pattern of denial by authorities has been observed in previous instances where the use of force was questioned, leading to skepticism among the public regarding official accounts of events.

In 2023, pellet guns were utilized against protesters in Manipur, a region experiencing ethnic strife, leading to significant public outcry. The use of such weapons in a context marked by ethnic tensions raises additional concerns about the potential for exacerbating conflict and violence. The deployment of pellet guns in situations where communities are already divided can further alienate citizens from the state and hinder efforts towards reconciliation and peace-building.

Historically, pellet guns have been employed in Jammu & Kashmir during the 2016 unrest, resulting in numerous individuals suffering partial or complete blindness. The use of pellet guns in Jammu & Kashmir has been particularly controversial, as it has drawn inter attention and condemnation from human rights organizations. The long-term consequences of such injuries extend beyond the immediate physical harm, affecting the lives of victims and their families, and contributing to a cycle of resentment and mistrust towards state authorities.

The current investigation into the alleged use of pellet guns during the July 20 protest in Delhi is part of a larger discourse on the appropriate use of force by security agencies in democratic societies. As protests become more frequent and diverse, the challenge for law enforcement is to balance the need for maintaining public order with the imperative to respect the rights and dignity of individuals. The findings of the CRPF's investigation may have significant implications for future policing strategies, public policy, and the broader relationship between the state and its citizens.