Agencies | New Delhi:
The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has initiated an internal inquiry into allegations that its personnel used disproportionate force, including firing pellet guns, during the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march in Delhi, PTI reported on Friday, citing official sources.
According to officials, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has directed the Inspector General (IG) of the RAF—its specialised anti-riot unit—to verify the sequence of events during the protest, including the crowd-control measures adopted by RAF teams and incidents in which its personnel were allegedly attacked.
The inquiry comes amid a political controversy over allegations that RAF personnel fired pellet ammunition at students participating in the protest against the alleged NEET paper leak.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday criticised the Centre over the alleged use of force against protesters, questioning the government’s denial of pellet gun use.
“The government is saying there is no use of pellet guns, but I can show you a victim here with me,” Rahul Gandhi said, alleging that the government was attempting to suppress facts surrounding the police action against students.
The Delhi Police has denied possessing pellet guns and described reports suggesting otherwise as misleading. However, the CRPF and the RAF have not yet issued an official response to the specific allegations that RAF personnel fired pellet ammunition during the demonstration.
Videos, SOP Compliance Under Scrutiny
As part of the inquiry, the RAF is reviewing videos and photographs circulating on social media that allegedly show its personnel in action during the July 20 protest.
Officials said the material under examination includes footage purportedly showing RAF personnel, identifiable by their blue camouflage uniforms, using batons and firearms while dispersing protesters. Investigators are also reviewing videos that appear to show RAF personnel being surrounded and assaulted during the clashes.
“All legal procedures stipulated to examine the conduct of personnel during such operational duties will be followed,” a senior RAF officer told PTI.
According to officials, the RAF’s riot-control equipment includes 12-bore pump-action guns, commonly referred to as pellet guns. Their use is governed by a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which permits deployment only under exceptional circumstances where personnel face a serious threat to their lives.
The SOP also mandates that the weapons be fitted with a deflector to reduce the impact of pellets and that, if fired, they should be aimed below the waist to minimise the risk of serious injuries.
Authorities said at least two students have reportedly been hospitalised with pellet injuries following the July 20 protest.
The inquiry will also examine videos purportedly showing stranded RAF personnel being attacked by protesters. Other footage under review includes a clip in which a person dressed in an RAF uniform appears to trip a protester running through the crowd, as well as another video claiming that a stun gun was used against a demonstrator.
The findings of the internal inquiry are expected to determine whether RAF personnel acted in accordance with prescribed operational protocols during the protest.
