CRPF Probe Confirms RAF Fired Seven Pellet Rounds in Delhi

An internal investigation by the Central Reserve Police Force reveals that a Rapid Action Force member fired seven pellet rounds during a July 20 protest march. The incident occurred in Delhi's Connaught Place area as demonstrators attempted to reach Parliament. Log entries indicate that five rounds struck protesters while two hit the ground. Security sources state the personnel discharged the weapon after protesters allegedly attacked security forces and initiated stone-pelting. The force is now conducting a professional post-event assessment to evaluate the conduct of the personnel involved.

RAF Inspector General Seema Dhundhia flagged serious operational lapses during a review of the protest. She noted that the force gradient used for crowd control did not align with prescribed standards or RAF training protocols. A force gradient dictates the level of force police should use based on the resistance they encounter. During a video conference on July 22, officials reviewed the deployment strategies used at Jantar Mantar and the Sansad Chalo march. The review emphasized that warnings must precede any use of force and that graded measures like lathicharge or tear smoke must be used judiciously.

CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh confirmed that the headquarters will finalize its view following a comprehensive assessment. New corrective measures require commanders to ensure force is used only to the necessary extent and in a balanced manner. This development impacts Delhi's security landscape as law enforcement faces pressure to refine crowd-control techniques. The investigation highlights a growing focus on accountability within paramilitary forces during civil demonstrations. Authorities aim to prevent excessive force while maintaining order during high-stakes political protests in the national capital.