RAF Investigates Allegations of Excessive Force During Student Protests in Delhi

Inquiry Launched into RAF's Conduct Amid Protests

New Delhi: The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has commenced an investigation into claims that its members employed excessive force and used pellet guns during the ongoing student demonstrations in Delhi, as reported by officials on Friday.

According to sources, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has directed the inspector general (IG) of the RAF, which is a specialized anti-riot unit, to examine the actions taken by its teams to manage the protests and any incidents where they faced aggression.

CRPF representatives indicated that a formal Court of Inquiry (CoI) has not yet been established regarding these events. They noted that such an inquiry would be initiated following the verification process to ascertain the facts.

The student protesters organized a 'Chalo Sansad' march from their sit-in at Jantar Mantar on July 20, under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in light of the recent NEET question paper leak.

Officials mentioned that the RAF is aware of various social media clips and images showing its personnel in blue uniforms, including footage of them using batons and engaging in a lathi-charge, as well as videos depicting their members being encircled and attacked by demonstrators.

"All legal protocols to assess the conduct of personnel during operational duties will be adhered to," stated a senior officer from the force.

The RAF is equipped with 12-bore pump-action guns, commonly referred to as pellet guns, as part of its riot control arsenal. The standard operating procedure (SOP) dictates that these weapons should be used only in life-threatening situations.

As per the SOP, these guns are to be utilized with a deflector to minimize injuries, targeting primarily the lower body.

Since January 20, at least two students have been hospitalized due to pellet injuries.

While the Delhi Police has denied possessing pellet guns, labeling such claims as misleading, neither the CRPF nor the RAF has addressed the allegations regarding their personnel's use of these weapons.

The RAF is also looking into instances where footage shows its members being attacked by protesters, including a video of an RAF officer tripping a rushing protester and another depicting the use of a shock-emitting weapon against a demonstrator.

The CRPF has instructed RAF commanders and other units involved in the protests to refrain from speaking to the media after a recent interaction by a female RAF officer was considered "undesirable."

Additionally, comments made by RAF Assistant Commandant Sonia Sehrawat regarding the protests on her Instagram account are under review by CRPF headquarters for potential breaches of the paramilitary's social media policy.

In 2023, the CRPF established social media guidelines for its personnel, explicitly advising them against commenting on contentious or political issues that could have future repercussions.