CRPF Launches Investigation Following Pellet Gun Use During Protest in Delhi
Investigation Initiated After Pellet Gun Reports
On July 20, during the 'Parliament Chalo' march organized by the 'Cockroach People's Party' (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, reports emerged of pellet guns being fired at protesters. In response, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have begun taking action. According to sources, the CRPF has initiated a thorough review and internal investigation regarding claims that RAF personnel used pellet rounds to control the crowd in Delhi. This review comes at a time when both the police and the government have consistently denied the use of pellet guns, despite medical records and visible injuries on protesters suggesting otherwise.
CRPF Prepares Detailed Report
The CRPF is compiling a comprehensive report on the incident, with an official investigation report from CRPF/RAF expected to follow the review. Sources from the CRPF indicated that over 47 RAF personnel were injured in the Connaught Place area, some of whom sustained serious injuries. During the protest, the Delhi police and RAF employed various crowd control measures, including tear gas and baton charges.
Internal Review of RAF Actions
The CRPF is now conducting an internal professional review of the RAF's actions following the protest. Such evaluations are part of the force's 'Standard Operating Procedure' (SOP) and are conducted after every major operation. This assessment will scrutinize the actions of the RAF and all aspects of the operation.
Injuries Reported from Pellet Gun Use
At least four cases of injuries from pellet guns have been reported among protesters at Jantar Mantar. A victim, whose medical records were reviewed by a media outlet, confirmed that he sustained injuries from pellets during the CJP's 'Parliament Chalo' march on July 20.
Opposition Leader Addresses Media
On Friday, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, addressed the media alongside a victim named Sahil Lohchab, who displayed visible injuries on his body and face. Gandhi stated, "The government has denied the use of pellets, but here is the evidence." He lifted Sahil's shirt to reveal pellet wounds on his upper body.
Call for Government Accountability
Gandhi urged, "The government must stop lying. They have fired upon the future of India." He further explained that a pellet had struck Sahil in one eye, causing severe damage. Sahil mentioned that he was peacefully marching while holding the national flag when he was injured. Another victim, 25 years old, recounted to a media outlet that he was fortunate not to lose his eyesight when he turned to flee after seeing a police officer aiming a gun at him.
Victim's Experience
He described, "In the chaos of the protest, I suddenly saw a police officer aiming a gun at me, and I tried to run. At that moment, something hit me in the back and near my right elbow. If I hadn't seen the officer aiming at me and hadn't run, I believe the shot would have hit my face." Initially, he felt no pain, just a sensation of being struck. However, moments later, he reported feeling as if hot metal was entering his body, as if his back was on fire.
Realization of Injury
The victim shared, "Then I looked at the wound. It was bleeding." He expressed surprise, thinking, "Was the police officer's aim really that precise? Many others around me were also injured. But in the midst of the chaos, it took me 10-15 minutes to understand what had actually happened."
Use of Pellet Guns
Pellet guns are typically used as a last resort to control unruly crowds when less lethal measures, such as warnings, persuasion, tear gas, and water cannons, fail.