CRPF Launches Probe Into Alleged Pellet Gun Use During Delhi Student Protests

Yugcharan News | 27-07-2026

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has initiated an internal inquiry into allegations that Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel used pellet guns during the student protests held in New Delhi on July 20. The investigation comes amid growing public and political scrutiny over the handling of demonstrations linked to the nationwide examination paper leak controversy.

According to officials familiar with the matter, at least one RAF personnel has been identified in connection with the alleged use of pellet rounds during the protests in Connaught Place. The inquiry is expected to determine whether standard operating procedures were followed, under what circumstances the force was used, and whether disciplinary action is warranted.

The development follows days of allegations by protesters, opposition leaders, and civil society groups, who have accused security forces of using excessive force against students participating in what organizers described as peaceful demonstrations.

Internal Inquiry Underway

Senior CRPF officials confirmed that a professional post-event assessment has been initiated to examine the deployment of RAF personnel during the July 20 protest.

According to officials, the inquiry team is collecting operational records, witness accounts, and field reports to determine the sequence of events that led to the alleged use of pellet guns.

Sources familiar with the investigation indicated that the inquiry report is expected within the coming week.

The findings may influence future operational guidelines and determine whether disciplinary or administrative action is required against personnel found responsible for any procedural violations.

Officer Allegedly Identified

According to officials associated with the ongoing inquiry, investigators have identified at least one RAF personnel who allegedly discharged a pellet-firing weapon during the protest.

Preliminary information reportedly suggests that seven rounds were fired by the officer, with five allegedly striking protesters while two rounds did not hit anyone.

Officials emphasized that these findings remain part of an internal investigation and have not yet resulted in any final conclusions regarding accountability.

The inquiry will also examine whether the use of force complied with established crowd-control protocols.

Pellet Guns and RAF Equipment

Pellet guns and certain anti-riot equipment form part of the inventory available to the Rapid Action Force, the specialized riot-control wing of the CRPF.

Such equipment is generally intended for use under specific operational conditions and is governed by detailed standard operating procedures.

Officials stated that investigators will assess whether the circumstances during the July 20 demonstrations justified the deployment of such equipment and whether all prescribed procedures were followed.

Protest Triggered by Examination Leak Controversy

The July 20 demonstration formed part of nationwide protests over the alleged examination paper leak controversy that has sparked widespread concern among students and educational institutions.

Thousands of students and supporters participated in marches demanding accountability, educational reforms, and the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

As protesters attempted to march toward Parliament during the Monsoon Session, clashes reportedly occurred between demonstrators and security personnel.

Authorities used barricades, tear gas, and baton charges after sections of the gathering allegedly became confrontational.

Conflicting Claims Over Pellet Gun Use

One of the central points of dispute following the protests has been whether pellet guns were actually used during crowd-control operations.

Several protesters claimed they suffered injuries consistent with pellet impacts, while Delhi Police maintained that it neither possesses nor deploys pellet guns during protest management.

Since RAF personnel operate separately from the Delhi Police while assisting during large security deployments, the ongoing CRPF inquiry seeks to determine whether any specialized equipment belonging to the force was used.

The findings are expected to clarify the conflicting accounts surrounding the incident.

Hospital Reports Fuel Debate

Medical examinations conducted on some injured protesters reportedly identified wounds that doctors described as being consistent with pellet injuries.

One protester alleged that more than 30 pellets struck different parts of his body during the confrontation.

Medical documents reportedly noted skin perforations, embedded fragments, tenderness, and localized injuries requiring treatment.

These medical findings have contributed to increasing calls for an independent review of the crowd-control measures adopted during the protest.

However, officials have not yet officially concluded that the injuries were caused by pellet guns pending completion of the inquiry.

Leadership Orders Suspension of Certain Equipment

Following the controversy, senior RAF leadership reportedly directed that projectile action guns, anti-riot guns, electric shock weapons, and electric shields should not be issued or deployed in Delhi until further instructions.

Sources indicated that the decision was taken while the internal assessment remains ongoing.

Senior officers have also reportedly reviewed the force's operational response during the demonstrations.

Officials are expected to examine whether existing training protocols require revision to prevent similar controversies in future deployments.

Allegations of Excessive Force

Sources familiar with internal discussions indicated that concerns were raised regarding the overall handling of the protest.

Senior officers reportedly emphasized that the use of force during public demonstrations must remain proportionate, necessary, and consistent with established operational procedures.

Authorities are reviewing whether individual personnel exceeded the permissible limits while responding to the evolving situation on the ground.

The inquiry is also expected to evaluate command decisions taken during the deployment.

Political Reactions Intensify

The controversy has generated sharp political reactions across the country.

Opposition leaders have accused security agencies of using excessive force against peaceful protesters and demanded accountability for those responsible.

Some political leaders cited medical reports and statements from injured protesters while urging the Union Government to explain whether lethal or potentially dangerous crowd-control measures had been authorized.

The issue was also raised during proceedings in Parliament, leading to heated exchanges between members of the ruling and opposition parties.

Government representatives have maintained that investigations should be allowed to proceed before drawing conclusions.

Supreme Court Observations

The broader issue of police action during recent student protests has also reached the Supreme Court.

During recent proceedings concerning petitions related to the demonstrations, the Court observed that the constitutional right to peaceful protest must be respected and that allegations of excessive force deserve independent examination.

The Court further highlighted the need for uniform crowd-control protocols across the country while emphasizing that peaceful demonstrations alone cannot justify disproportionate police action.

Although the CRPF inquiry is separate from the judicial proceedings, its findings may become significant in the wider discussion surrounding protest management and police accountability.

Focus on Transparency and Accountability

Legal experts believe the inquiry presents an opportunity for authorities to reinforce transparency and public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

Independent observers have stressed that allegations involving the use of force during public protests should be examined through evidence-based investigations rather than speculation.

At the same time, they note that the rights of security personnel to a fair inquiry must also be respected until official findings are completed.

Awaiting Investigation Results

As the CRPF continues its investigation, no final determination has been made regarding responsibility or procedural violations.

Officials have indicated that the inquiry will establish whether pellet guns were used, identify the circumstances surrounding their deployment, and recommend any corrective or disciplinary measures if necessary.

With public attention focused on the outcome, the findings are expected to play an important role in shaping future crowd-control policies and strengthening accountability mechanisms during public demonstrations.

Until the investigation is completed, authorities have urged restraint, emphasizing that all allegations will be assessed on the basis of evidence, operational records, and established legal procedures before any conclusions are reached.