Controversy Erupts Over Use of Non-Lethal Weapons During NEET Protest

The recent NEET protest has ignited controversy over the use of non-lethal weapons by the Rapid Action Force to control crowds. Reports indicate that plastic pellet guns were deployed under police orders, leading to serious injuries among protesters. The opposition is demanding accountability from the government, particularly from Home Minister Amit Shah. As the situation unfolds, officials are reviewing the actions taken during the protests, with the CRPF's Director General assuring responsibility for the decisions made. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the NEET question paper leak and the government's response to public dissent.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 28, 2026, 17:30 IST

Use of Non-Lethal Weapons by Police During NEET Protest

New Delhi, July 28 - In connection with the leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) question paper, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) utilized various non-lethal weapons, including plastic pellet guns, to manage crowds near Jantar Mantar during the 'Chalo Parliament' march on July 20, with the approval of a Delhi police officer. Officials provided this information on Tuesday, referencing official records related to police actions.

According to the details recorded in the general diary (GD) of the Parliament Street police station, the entry was made on July 22 at 1:24 PM, based on a report from a sub-commander of the RAF. The report indicated that this unit, dressed in blue uniforms, was deployed in Zone-1 of the Jantar Mantar area alongside a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). Records from the police station revealed that under the DCP's orders, the RAF fired 55 non-electrical shells, 15 electrical shells, and five tear gas canisters on July 20. Additionally, two rounds were fired from a non-lethal riot control gun and two from pellet guns.

However, it remains unclear whether other RAF units employed pellet guns at different protest sites. The Delhi police officially stated that claims regarding the use of pellet guns against 'peaceful protesters' are entirely 'false and misleading.' So far, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and RAF have not issued any official comments on the matter.

Officials clarified that each round from a pellet gun contains four plastic pellets, which differ from metal pellets that can penetrate the body. According to them, these plastic pellets cause relatively less harm.

The use of force against protesters, particularly the deployment of pellet guns, has sparked significant controversy. The opposition is pressing the government on this issue and demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament. Reports have emerged of two to three protesters suffering serious injuries from pellets during the protest march organized by the Cockroach Public Party (CJP) demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG question paper leak.

Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, leading the CJP to withdraw its month-long agitation. During this protest, several personnel from the Delhi police, RAF, and CRPF were also injured. CRPF Director General G.P. Singh stated that the actions taken during these protests are under review.

He remarked, 'Now that the agitation has concluded and the protesters have dispersed, we will assess this action professionally, as we do after every major operation. The official stance of the force headquarters will be presented to you afterward.' Officials noted that during the CRPF's 88th Foundation Day event held here on Monday, the Director General assured the force's officers and personnel that he would take full responsibility for any decisions made or actions taken during the honorable and honest discharge of their duties.