CRPF Inquiry Finds RAF Personnel Fired Pellet Gun During Parliament March, 5 Protesters Hit

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has reportedly concluded its inquiry into the use of pellet guns by personnel from its Rapid Action Force (RAF) during a protest march to Parliament on July 20. Sources told The Indian Express that the inquiry found an RAF personnel deployed in Connaught Place fired at least seven rounds from a pellet gun. Five of these rounds struck protesters, while two hit the ground.

The CRPF had initiated the probe after reports emerged that pellet guns were used during the crackdown on demonstrators. Pellet guns are classified as non-lethal weapons but can cause serious injuries, including loss of vision or bone fractures, when fired at close range.

At least three individuals were treated in hospitals for pellet gun injuries sustained during the protest. They are Irshad Sheikh, 25, a Gurgaon-based professional; Sahil Lochab, 19, a Delhi University student; and a 28-year-old journalist with Outlook magazine. The condition of the injured is not known at this time.

The protest march was organised to demand a judicial inquiry into the death of a student at the University of Hyderabad and to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Act, among other issues. The demonstration saw clashes between protesters and police, leading to several injuries and arrests.

The use of pellet guns has been a contentious issue in India, with human rights groups calling for a ban on their use in crowd control. The CRPF inquiry findings are expected to be submitted to senior officials for further action.